[Female prostitutes in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: changes in knowledge, attitudes and practices between 2000 and 2004]

A survey was carried out to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practice of female prostitutes In Phnom Penh (Cambodia) in 2000 and 2004. A total of 131 women were included both years. The population was 75% Cambodian and 25% Vietnamese. Average age was 22.9 years in 2000 and 25.5 years in 2004. Sixty-seven percent of the women surveyed stated that prostitution was a "voluntary" choice. The awareness rate for sexual transmitted diseases (STD) including AIDS and its main clinical signs and of the protective value of condoms was 90% in 2000 and 96% in 2004. However 30% reported unprotected sexual relations with at least one of their last 10 clients. Twenty-five percent performed oral sex usually without precaution. Drug use was limited to methamphetamines. Monthly income ranged from 15 dollars to 22.5 dollars (mean, 66 dollars). This amount is higher than the salary of a factory worker. Despite good knowledge of STD and prevention measures, prostitutes in Phnom Penh appear to have unsafe sexual practices.