Prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases as well as related associated risk factors among middle/low level female sex workers in a city in Guangdong province

Abstract

To explore the prevalence of HIV, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and associated factors among medium/low level female sex workers (FSWs) in an under-developed city in Guangdong province. FSWs were reached by probability proportionate to size sampling through mapping. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate data on demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, condom use and drug use. 5 ml blood samples were collected to test for human immunodeficiency virus(HIV), syphilis and HSV-2. The prevalence rates of HIV, syphilis and HSV-2 were 0.3% (2/575), 4.9% (28/575) and 30.6% (176/575) respectively, and 32.2% (185/575)for STDs. Results from multivariate unconditional logistic regression model indicated that drug use (OR = 3.91, 95% CI:1.17-13.03) was the independent risk factor for STDs infection. Risks as ever accepted intervention program (OR = 0.14, 95% CI:0.04-0.52), with higher education level (OR = 0.40, 95% CI:0.19-0.83)and medium-fee charged FSWs(OR = 0.27, 95% CI:0.09-0.79) were protective factors for STDs. Sources of STDs and related risk factors were comprehensive among medium/low FSWs, especially for the latter, with all calling for multi-sector cooperation to explore the effective intervention program in this population.