JUNE 2006 — Male clients of sex workers are a bridge population linking female sex workers to the general population, but their role in HIV prevention programs has been overlooked in Vietnam. In December 2004, FHI hosted a stakeholder meeting in Hanoi of national and international NGOs and United Nations agencies to discuss ways to increase male involvement in HIV/AIDS prevention. The discussion focused on engaging male clients of sex workers to become active in preventing HIV transmission to themselves and their wives or girlfriends.

From April to June 2005, a research team comprised of FHI staff, consultants, representatives of NGOs and national social research agencies conducted a qualitative study of male clients of sex workers and other key informants. Candidates included men at high risk of purchasing sex, married women, and entertainment establishment owners. Researchers facilitated eighteen meetings, six each in Hanoi, Haiphong, and Ho Chi Minh City. In all, 324 candidates were interviewed.

This report details the findings of the study and documents:

• Behavior Patterns and Group Norms
• Process of Sexual Decision Making
• Reasons for Frequenting Sex Workers
• What Makes a "Real" Man?
• Male Responsibility