Abstract
Introduction In spite of the fact that female sex workers being regarded as core transmitters of sexually transmitted infections to the general population, previous studies undertaken around STIs in Ethiopia fail to consider this segment of the population. Hence, the present study investigated the prevalence of self-reported symptoms of STIs and the risk factors among FSWs in Adama Town, Ethiopia. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 01, 2017, to April 30, 2017, in Adama Town. Three hundred ninety female sex workers were selected from 120 licensed drinking establishments by using simple random sampling technique. The interviewer-administered structured tool was used to collect data. Data were entered using EPI data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Result Among the requested 423 female sex workers, 390 willingly responded to the interviewer-administered structured questionnaires making a response rate of 92.2%. One hundred thirty-nine (35.6%, 95% CI (33.8%–37.4%) of the female sex workers reported one or more STI symptoms. Several risk factors were identified including inconsistent condom use with a nonpaying client (AOR = 5.43, 95% CI: 2.73, 10.80), alcohol use before sex (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.35, 4.30), longer duration of sex work (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.26, 4.08), and having poor knowledge of STIs (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.31, 4.54). Conclusion Self-reported symptom of STI among female sex workers in Adama Town is relatively high when compared with previous studies. Hence, health education programs should address the issue of inconsistent condom use with nonpaying clients, alcohol consumption before sex, and knowledge of STIs, with a particular emphasis on those female sex workers who stayed longer in the business.
Highlights
In spite of the fact that female sex workers being regarded as core transmitters of sexually transmitted infections to the general population, previous studies undertaken around Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) in Ethiopia fail to consider this segment of the population
The present study investigated the prevalence of self-reported STI symptoms and the risk factors among Female sex workers (FSWs) working in licensed drinking establishments in Adama Town, Ethiopia
Based on the 2007 Census conducted by the Central Statistical Agency (CSA) of Ethiopia, the city has a total population of 220,212, of which 108,872 are men and 111,340 are women [11]. e town has a high concentration of bars, hotels, and night clubs where most female sex workers work. e majority of these facilities are located along the main Addis-Djibouti road, Adama-Asella road, and Kebele 15
Summary
Transmitted infections (STIs) refer to those conditions caused by pathogens that can be acquired and transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. In Ethiopia, it is illegal to operate a brothel establishment or procure sex workers for commercial purposes, but the sale of sex by women is not prohibited by law [4] Due to their high HIV prevalence, their increased ability to transmit HIV when coinfected with other STIs, and to the larger group they reach through their sexual network, sex workers have. FSWs face stigmatization, marginalization, and discrimination even in the health-care sector, which make the prevention and control of STI and HIV challenging [8, 9] Due to this fact, FSWs tend to selfdiagnose and procure over-the-counter medication from pharmacies or use traditional home remedies for STDs rather than visiting STI treating clinics [10]. The present study investigated the prevalence of self-reported STI symptoms and the risk factors among FSWs working in licensed drinking establishments in Adama Town, Ethiopia
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