A pilot study, auditing digital communication to conduct sexual and reproductive health service outreach to Chinese- and Thai-speaking sex workers in Sydney.

Abstract

Background A large sexual health service (SHS) in Sydney has piloted the use of Mandarin-language app 'WeChat' and Thai-language app 'LINE', to enhance outreach to Chinese- and Thai-speaking sex industry workers (SIWs). These platforms offer a novel and unique means for Thai and Chinese SIWs to access the SHS, bypassing potential lengthy wait times otherwise experienced through phone triage, using telephone interpreters. Method From 5 February to 5 April 2024, data from clients' posts on both platforms were extracted and dissected according to the following indices: current registration with the SHS, approximate time taken for response to messages, demographic client information, and key service/s requested. Results During the 2-month data extraction period, the total subscription to the online platforms was 329, comprising 227 (69%) posts on WeChat and 102 (31%) on LINE. New clients made up about one-third of the overall clientele on both platforms. Overall, an estimated average of 10 min was the most common (the mode) length of time taken to respond to clients' online posts. The two most frequently requested services were to introduce relevant sexual reproductive health services and to book clinical appointments. Conclusion This pilot provided valuable information about how the SHS WeChat and LINE platforms are used by their target populations. This information has informed the development of resources to enhance efficient administration of these platforms. The data may also be used to help justify the continued use of these platforms to reach these at-risk priority populations, despite wider security concerns about foreign-owned platforms, such as WeChat.