Abstract
Background: Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are main drivers of the HIV epidemic in Nepal. The work environment of sex work in Nepal is differentiated into establishment based (e.g. massage parlors, dance restaurants, hotels and lodges) and street based (e.g. streets, parks and markets). The study compares HIV, syphilis and risk behaviours among establishment-based FSWs and street-based FSWs in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional bio-behavioral surveys in 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2015 aimed to sample 2093 FSWs using two stage cluster sampling in the Kathmandu valley. Statistical analysis used chi-squared tests and logistic regression models to assess differences of HIV, syphilis and risk behaviors among street-based FSWs and establishment-based FSWs. Results: The study included 39.7% street-based FSWs and 60.3% establishment-based FSWs. The street-based FSWs had lower education levels, older age groups, separated, longer duration of sex work and inconsistent condom used with clients than establishment-based FSWs (p<0.05). Establishment-based FSWs were lower exposure to HIV intervention programs and pervasive alcohol consumption and use of drugs (p<0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that street-based FSWs were more likely of HIV test (aOR=1.25, 95%CI=1.04, 1.49), HIV (aOR=4.72, 95%CI=2.19, 10.15) and syphilis (aOR=7.96, 95%CI=3.49, 18.15) than establishment-based FSWs. Conclusion: Street-based FSWs possessed higher risk behaviour and have higher HIV and syphilis prevalence. HIV prevention interventions targeting FSWs should consider risks and vulnerability of street-based FSWs. .
Highlights
Compared to the general female population, Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are 13.5 times more likely to be infected with HIV [1]
Street-based FSWs were significantly less educated than establishment-based FSWs, as 44% of street-based FSWs had no education whereas 23.5% of establishment-based FSWs had no education
This study compared HIV risk behaviors among FSWs in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal who engage in commercial sex with male clients through different distinct venues
Summary
Compared to the general female population, Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are 13.5 times more likely to be infected with HIV [1]. Studies and IBBS surveys have investigated HIV, STI and HIV risk behaviors among FSWs in Nepal, such as unprotected sex work and injecting drugs in relation to category of sex work [6,8,9,10]. The study compares HIV, syphilis and risk behaviours among establishment-based FSWs and street-based FSWs in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. Statistical analysis used chisquared tests and logistic regression models to assess differences of HIV, syphilis and risk behaviors among street-based FSWs and establishment-based FSWs. Results: The study included 39.7% street-based FSWs and 60.3% establishment-based FSWs. The street-based FSWs had lower education levels, older age groups, separated, longer duration of sex work and inconsistent condom used with clients than establishment-based FSWs (p
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