Douglas KG, Brathwaite A, Patterson V, Wilson I, Figueroa P; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1996 Jul 7-12; 11: 347 (abstract no. Tu.C.2477).
AIDSCAP, Arlington, VA, USA. Fax: 703.516.9781.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of HIV/STD; to describe the risk factors associated with HIV seropositivity among CSWs at initial presentation to a screening service (Women Health Interventions (WHI),ACOSTRAD project) specially designed to meet the health needs of this group of women. Methods: During the period August 1994 to October 1995, 143 CSWs attended for screening in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Screening consisted of a detailed sexual history, a full physical examination, and voluntary laboratory examination for syphilis and HIV. A questionnaire was also administered. Results: Twenty-five per cent of the CSWs were seropositive for HIV infection and 34% had a positive serological test for syphilis. Significant associations were found between HIV seropositivity and duration of time in prostitution, 5-7 yrs OR=4.07 CI=1.35,12.29; living alone with no regular partner OR=3.90 CI=1.36,11.21; number of different sex partners (paying and nonpaying) this last week greater than two OR=2.86 CI=1.25,6.54; number of paying customers this last week greater than five OR=2.57 CI=1.10,5.99 p=0.031. Partners' cocaine use, "ever had syphilis", "ever had sores in genital" and "ever had bruising during sex" were also significantly correlated with HIV seropositivity. No significant associations were noted with condom use during last sex act, sexual practices, self reported drug use and past history of other common STDs (gonorrhoea, PID, genital warts and herpes). Conclusions: The seroprevalence of HIV among CSWs in Montego Bay is high. Intervention strategies to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by this population of sex workers must include: (a) programmes to modify sexual behaviour in order to reduce unprotected sex with both steady and paying sex partners, (b) identification and treatment of common STD conditions.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Female
- HIV
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Jamaica
- Prevalence
- Prostitution
- Risk Factors
- Seroepidemiologic Studies
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexual Partners
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Syphilis
- Syphilis Serodiagnosis
- Unsafe Sex
- methods
Other ID:
UI: 102218567
From Meeting Abstracts