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Cambodia is experiencing a generalized HIV epidemic; there is evidence some populations within Cambodia are particularly vulnerable to infection. A mixed methods study was conducted in 2006 on the vulnerability to contract HIV of rural-to-urban migrant Cambodian garment factory workers. This paper reports the views of these female migrant workers regarding the use of condoms in their sexual relationships. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 20 workers about their knowledge and experiences regarding condom use. Both married and single women were knowledgeable about HIV transmission, but there was a spectrum of perspectives about condom use with their current or future partners. Some women insisted partners use condoms, while others did not expect partner compliance, and a third group avoided discussing condom use with their partners. HIV prevention programs should include male partners. For many of these migrant women, interventions focussing on education about HIV transmission and condom negotiation skills are insufficient since implementation requires male cooperation.

The purpose of the study was to demonstrate a quantitative evaluation of the educational impact of HIV pretest counseling. Two cohorts of clients exposed to different counseling methodologies were evaluated. The clients completed questionnaires before and after counseling. Responses were scored and compared, and a quantitative measure of educational impact reached. Quantitative educational change following counseling was demonstrated. The change was significantly greater in the more interactive and culturally sensitive counseling format. Quantitative measurement of educational change on focused HIV/AIDS counseling can be easily undertaken. Given that an ill informed population is unlikely to appropriately modify behavior, such educational evaluation should be considered as integral to national HIV/AIDS programs.