Prevalence of lifetime abortion and methods of contraception among female sex workers in Bogota, Colombia

BACKGROUND: The primary objective was to estimate the lifetime prevalence of abortion and the secondary objective was to describe the use of contraceptive methods among female sex workers (FSW) in Bogota, Colombia. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among FSW. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, contraceptive methods, number of abortions, reasons for abortions and sexual practices was collected. RESULTS: A total of 514 FSW were enrolled. Of these, 264 (53%) had a lifetime abortion. Age, years in sex work and a previous sexually transmitted infection were associated with abortion. A total of 89 FSW(17%) reported no contraception method. Oral contraceptives, use of condoms, female sterilization and intrauterine device insertion were the most common methods of contraception. Women who were poorer, who initiated sex work at a younger age and who reported use of illegal drugs were associated with inconsistent contraception. CONCLUSION: A high lifetime prevalence of abortion and inconsistent contraception was found among FSW in Bogota. There is a need for effective and practical contraceptive methods of family health planning among FSW in Colombia.     

Depressive symptoms and condom use with clients among female sex workers in China

This study examines the association between depressive symptoms and condom use with clients among 278 female sex workers (FSW) in Guangxi, China. About 62% of these FSW had a high level of depressive symptoms (CES-D total score >or=16). Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that FSW with high level of depressive symptoms were less likely to use condoms consistently (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28-0.89) or use condoms properly (aOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20-0.99). The findings suggested that HIV prevention programs targeted at FSW should take into consideration the level of depression they experience.     

Relations between taking contraceptive pills, condom use and sexually transmitted disease history among female sex workers

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze how taking contraceptive pills and condom use are related to each other, and their links to sexually transmitted disease (STD) history among female sex workers. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed by means of a standardized questionnaire self-administered by sex workers who attended a STD Clinic in Osaka between 1st April, 1998 and 31st March, 1999. They came to the clinic for routine screening for STDs and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection, and for treatment. The responses of a total of 92 sex workers, who are basically expected to use condoms and identified themselves as "sex workers at bath houses", "sex workers in former red light districts", "sex massage providers on call" and "call girls" on the questionnaires, were analyzed. RESULT: The proportion of sex workers who were diagnosed with chlamydial infection either currently or over the previous year was higher among sex workers who answered they take contraceptive pills "regularly" (pill users) than in those who answered "irregularly" or "not" (non-pill users). This finding was statistically significant for those whose education was less than 12 years, whose professional career as a sex worker was 1 year or more, and whose average daily income was 50,000 yen (US$450) or more. Except for the group whose income was less than 50,000 yen, the proportion of sex workers in all groups who were diagnosed with chlamydial infection was greater, although the difference was not statistically significant, among pill users than among non-users. The proportion of sex workers who use condoms "regularly and correctly" was significantly higher for non-pill users than for those using the pills. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that pill use was significantly related to condom "not or irregular or incorrect" use (Odds ratio: 4.43, CI 1.12-17.60). The proportion of sex workers with a chlamydial infection history was significantly lower with those using condoms "regularly and correctly" than in those who do not use condoms or employ them "irregularly or incorrectly" (Odds ratio: 0.08, CI 0.01-0.68). CONCLUSION: This study showed the proportion of sex workers diagnosed with chlamydial infection to be higher among pill users than among non-users and the proportion of sex workers who use condoms "regularly and correctly" was higher among non-pill users than among users. These findings suggest that irregular, incorrect or non use of condoms among pill users may cause chlamydial infection.     

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection patterns and risk behaviours in different population groups and provinces in Viet Nam

OBJECTIVE: To study patterns and determinants of HIV prevalence and risk-behaviour characteristics in different population groups in four border provinces of Viet Nam. METHODS: We surveyed four population groups during April-June 2002. We used stratified random-cluster sampling and collected data concomitantly on HIV status and risk behaviours. The groups included were female sex workers (n = 2023), injecting drug users (n = 1391), unmarried males aged 15-24 years (n = 1885) and different categories of mobile groups (n = 1923). FINDINGS: We found marked geographical contrasts in HIV prevalence, particularly among female sex workers (range 0-24%). The HIV prevalence among injecting drug users varied at high levels in all provinces (range 4-36%), whereas lower prevalences were found among both unmarried young men (range 0-1.3%) and mobile groups (range 0-2.5%). All groups reported sex with female sex workers. Less than 40% of the female sex workers had used condoms consistently. The strongest determinants of HIV infection among female sex workers were inconsistent condom use (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-11.8), history of injecting drug use and mobility, and, among injecting drug users, sharing of injection equipment (adjusted OR, 7.3; 95% CI, 2.3-24.0) and sex with non-regular partners (adjusted OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.4-8.5). CONCLUSION: The finding of marked geographical variation in HIV prevalence underscores the value of understanding local contexts in the prevention of HIV infection. Although lacking support from data from all provinces, there would appear to be a potential for sex work to drive a self-sustaining heterosexual epidemic. That the close links to serious injecting drug use epidemics can have an accelerating effect in increasing the spread of HIV merits further study.     

贵州省艾滋病高流行区汉族与少数民族女性性服务者艾滋病流行病学研究

目的了解贵州省铜仁市汉族与少数民族商业女性性服务者（FSW）艾滋病相关知信行及艾滋病病毒（HIV）感染率。方法对246名汉族和173名少数民族FSW开展横断面匿名问卷调查及HIV抗体检测。结果汉族与少数民族FSW在年龄、工作场所、婚姻状况、月收入等方面差异无统计学意义,但汉族FSW中外县市户籍者比例较少数民族者高,而少数民族FSW的文化程度较汉族者低。FSW均具备一定的艾滋病知识,但少数民族FSW的艾滋病知晓率较汉族者低。研究对象最近一次及最近一个月商业性行为时安全套使用率分别为95%和87.5%,而最近一次及最近一个月与固定性伴性行为时安全套使用率分别为70.3%及56.7%,少数民族FSW与汉族FSW安全套使用率差异均无统计学意义。少数民族FSW接受艾滋病咨询及性病诊疗服务方面的比例低于汉族FSW。未发现HIV感染者。结论贵州省铜仁市各民族FSW中商业性行为中安全套使用率高,HIV流行率低,但仍需加强针对该人群的艾滋病宣传教育和行为干预,尤其要重点关注少数民族FSW。     

Variations in Condom Use by Locale: A Comparison of Mobile Chinese Female Sex Workers in Hong Kong and Mainland China

The present study investigated the prevalence of HIV and HIV-related behaviors and perceptions among 336 female sex workers (FSW) traveling from mainland China to work in Hong Kong. None of the participants tested HIV positive. Of the participants, 13.2% and 26.8%, respectively, would have unprotected sex with a client in Hong Kong or in mainland China if they liked the client; 16.7% and 21.7%, respectively, would have unprotected sex with a client in Hong Kong and in mainland China if he paid more. Of the participants, 98.5% used condoms in the last episode of sex work in Hong Kong and 78.1% were consistent condom users in Hong Kong in the last month. Yet, among those who previously worked as FSW in mainland China (n = 141), only 28.6% used condoms consistently in mainland China in the last year; 60% of those who used condoms inconsistently while in mainland China became consistent condom users in Hong Kong. Among those who did not use condoms in mainland China, willingness to have unprotected sex with a client who was liked by the FSW was a strong predictor for consistent condom use in Hong Kong (OR = 18.67, p < .001). Among those who were consistent condom users in Hong Kong, the same variable predicted inconsistent condom use while in mainland China (OR = 14.02, p < .05). Condom use behaviors change when FSW are working in different social contexts and behavioral changes are possible. Education programs should take socio-contextual factors into account.     

Characterising the relationship between migration and stigma affecting healthcare engagement among female sex workers in Lomé, Togo

ABSTRACT

Migration in West Africa is common and complicates the sustained delivery of comprehensive HIV care programmes for those with specific vulnerabilities to HIV, including female sex workers (FSW). This study evaluated whether migration potentiates the burden of stigma affecting FSW in Lomé, Togo. Respondent driven sampling identified 354 FSW who completed HIV testing and a questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with stigma among FSW. Among study participants, 76.3% (270/354) were migrants, with 30.2% (107/354) reporting stigma. Migrant FSW were less likely to report stigma (aOR 0.40; 95% CI:0.22–0.73). FSW who had an abortion (aOR 3.40; 95% CI:1.79–6.30) and were tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or HIV (aOR 2.03; 95% CI:1.16–3.55) were more likely to report stigma. Among FSW, 59.8% (211/353) disclosed selling sex to a health worker. Disclosure was more common among FSW who had been tested for an STI or HIV (36.7%; 77/210), or both (55.7%; 117/210), and resulted in an attenuated but significant association between STI or HIV testing and stigma, indicating that disclosure partially mediated the relationship. These results highlight the need to mitigate healthcare-related stigma affecting FSW, while also considering decentralised HIV testing approaches, including HIV self-testing.     

Contraceptive Use and Abortion Among Women Of Reproductive Age in St. Petersburg, Russia

CONTEXT: Although the characteristics associated with contraceptive use among Russian women have been studied, no large-scale research has been conducted on women's use of different contraceptive methods and abortion.
METHODS: A random sample of 1,147 women aged 18–44 completed questionnaires at local women's clinics in St. Petersburg in 2003–2004. Chi-square tests were used to examine differences in selected characteristics among age-groups, and logistic regression was used to assess associations between these characteristics and the use of contraceptive methods at last intercourse and abortion history.
RESULTS: Among women at risk of unintended pregnancy, six in 10 had used reliable contraceptives (the pill, the IUD or condoms) at last intercourse; 42% had used condoms. Women in the middle income level were more likely than women with lower income to have used the pill (odds ratio, 2.1); cohabiting women and those who had had children had lowered odds of using condoms (0.6 and 0.3–0.5, respectively). More than half of those surveyed reported having had an abortion. Characteristics associated with increased odds of having had an abortion included being 25 or older (2.2–3.5), cohabiting (2.9), having high income (1.7), having experienced first intercourse before turning 18 (2.2) and having used no contraceptive method at first sex (1.5). The factor that was most strongly associated with abortion was a woman's number of births (4.9–5.7).
CONCLUSIONS: Educational programs that promote the consistent use of condoms, especially among young women, and family planning programs that reduce financial barriers to contraceptive use, are critically needed in Russia.     

江苏省2006年-2008年艾滋病高危人群哨点监测报告

目的：监测江苏省艾滋病病毒（HIV）感染流行趋势,为制定艾滋病防治规划和开展有效干预提供科学依据。方法：采用连续抽样调查的方法对性病门诊就诊者（STD）、暗娼（FSW）、吸毒者（DUS）及男男性接触者（MSM）等高危人群进行监测。结果：6044例DUS中有1524例共用注射器吸毒,共针率为25．22％。高危人群安全套使用率为28．00％。其中较高的为FSW人群,每次使用率为86．56％;最低的为STD人群,每次使用率为7．56％。每次使用率在不同高危人群间存在着非常显著的差异（χ2=11522．06,P〈0．01）。HIV抗体阳性率0．34％;其中最高的为MSM人群,最低的为FSW人群,各高危人群间存在着非常显著差异（χ2=687．27,P〈0．01）;梅毒抗体阳性率5．73％,其中最高的为MSM人群,最低的为FSW人群,各高危人群间亦存在着非常显著差异（χ2=177．74,P〈0．01）。DUS和MSM人群做了丙肝抗体检测,MSM中未检出,而DUS者中阳性率高达41．78％,非常显著地高于MSM人群（χ2=172．73,P〈0．01）。结论：江苏省MSM人群HIV感染率最高,且该人群无保护肛交行为十分普遍,提示该人群艾滋病防控工作应是重点。本省对FSW人群进行了长期、有效的行为干预,使该人群HIV抗体阳性率目前仍处于较低水平。全省艾滋病的流行呈平缓上升趋势,但诸多传播因素仍然存在,必须进行有效的行为干预。     

Sex Trade Behavior among Heterosexually Active Homeless Men

Sex trade behavior is fairly common among homeless adults and may contribute to higher rates of HIV/AIDS in this population. This study provides a detailed examination of the sex trade-related attitudes and behaviors of homeless men by: (1) determining the prevalence of sex trade-related behaviors, including sex with female sex workers (FSWs); (2) identifying risk factors for having sex with FSWs; and (3) comparing men’s relationships with FSWs and non-FSWs in terms of relationship qualities and HIV-related risk behaviors, such as condom use. Structured interviews were conducted with a probability sample of 305 heterosexually active homeless men recruited from meal lines in Los Angeles. Recent sex with a FSW was reported by 26 % of men, and more likely among those who were older, used crack cocaine, had more sex partners, believed that sometimes men just need to have sex no matter what, and were embedded in networks that were denser and where risky sex was more normative. Compared to non-FSW partners, men with FSW partners felt less emotionally close to them, were more likely to believe the partner had never been tested for HIV, and were more likely to have sex with them under the influence of drugs or alcohol; however, they were not more likely to talk about using condoms or to use condoms with FSWs. Whether the relationship was considered “serious” was a stronger correlate of condom use than whether the partner was a FSW. Implications of these findings for HIV prevention efforts among homeless adults are discussed.     

HIV prevalence, AIDS knowledge, and condom use among female sex workers in Santiago, Chile

This paper describes HIV seroprevalence, knowledge of HIV transmission, and condom use among female sex workers (FSW) attending five specialized sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in Santiago, Chile. A short questionnaire with socio-demographic, AIDS knowledge, and condom-use variables was administered to 626 FSW. HIV seroprevalence was estimated with a blood test sent to the Chilean Public Health Institute. ELISA was used to confirm HIV in suspected cases. HIV prevalence was 0%. FSW showed adequate overall knowledge of HIV, even better than reported for the Chilean general population on some items. Condom use with clients was high ("always" = 93.4%), although regular use with steady partners was low ("always" = 9.9%). The zero HIV seroprevalence and consistent condom use with clients confirms the positive impact of intervention strategies for FSW, increasing both correct knowledge of AIDS and condom use with clients and helping decrease these women's HIV/AIDS vulnerability.     

Constraints faced by sex workers in use of female and male condoms for safer sex in urban Zimbabwe

We investigated whether female condoms are acceptable to sex workers in Harare and whether improved access to male and female condoms increases the proportion of protected sex episodes with clients and boyfriends. Sex workers were randomly placed in groups to receive either male and female condoms (group A, n=99) or male condoms only (group B, n=50) and were followed prospectively for about 3 months each. We found a considerable burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in our cohort at enrollment (86% tested HIV positive and 34% had at least one STI). Consistent male condom use with clients increased from 0% to 52% in group A and from 0% to 82% in group B between enrollment and first follow-up 2 weeks later and remained high throughout the study. Few women in group A reported using female condoms with clients consistently (3%–9%), and use of either condom was less common with boyfriends than with clients throughout the study (8%–39%) for different study groups, visits, and types of condom). Unprotected sex still took place, as evidenced by an STI incidence of 16 episodes per 100 woman-months of follow-up. Our questionnaire data indicated high self-reported acceptability of female condoms, but focus group discussions revealed that a main obstacle to female condom use was client distrust of unfamiliar methods. This study shows that a simple intervention of improving access to condoms can lead to more protected sex episodes between sex workers and clients. However, more work is needed to help sex workers achieve safer sex in noncommercial relationships.     

Sexual power and HIV risk, South Africa

Gender power inequities are believed to play a key role in the HIV epidemic through their effects on women's power in sexual relationships. We hypothesized that lack of sexual power, measured with a four-point relationship control scale and by a woman's experience of forced sex with her most recent partner, would decrease the likelihood of consistent condom use and increase the risk for HIV infection among sexually experienced, 15- to 24-year-old women in South Africa. While limited sexual power was not directly associated with HIV, it was associated with inconsistent condom use: women with low relationship control were 2.10 times more likely to use condoms inconsistently (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-3.78), and women experiencing forced sex were 5.77 times more likely to use condoms inconsistently (95% CI 1.86-17.91). Inconsistent condom use was, in turn, significantly associated with HIV infection (adjusted odds ratio 1.58, 95% CI 1.10-2.27).     

Incidence of acute urinary tract infection in young women and use of male condoms with and without nonoxynol-9 spermicides

BACKGROUND: Acute urinary tract infection is one of the most common infections seen in primary care. METHODS: We conducted a nested case-control study among a cohort of 519 women, ages 15-29 years, enrolled in a contraceptive acceptability study to examine whether recent use of male condoms increases urinary tract infection risk. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-five incident urinary tract infections were identified during 12-month follow-up periods in a cohort study that was conducted between 1996 and 1999. After exclusions for urinary tract infection recurrences, pregnancy, antibiotic use, diabetes, diaphragm/cervical cap use, or urinary tract abnormalities, there were 100 cases and 200 controls. Compared with women not using barrier methods (and after adjustment for age, urinary tract infection history, hormonal method use, and frequency of sex) the odds ratio (OR) for any reported use of condoms coated with spermicide (Nonoxynol-9) in the previous 30 days was 2.8 (95% [confidence interval] CI = 1.2-6.5). The OR was 11.5 (95% CI = 2.5-53) for exclusive Nonoxynol-9-coated condom use. The OR for exclusive use of non-Nonoxynol-9-coated condoms was 7.4 (95% CI = 1.6-35). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, use of male condoms was associated with increased urinary tract infection risk; the largest risk was associated with exclusive condom use and use of Nonoxynol-9-coated condoms.     

Interpersonal Violence and Contraceptive Method Use by Women Sex Workers

ObjectiveMore than one-half of women sex workers (sex workers) in the United States experience interpersonal violence, defined as physical or sexual violence, by sexual partners, including clients or intimate partners. Women experiencing interpersonal violence by intimate partners often choose hidden, woman-controlled contraception (e.g., intrauterine devices, pills, or sterilization) because fear of violence can impede condom negotiation. Yet, little is known about how interpersonal violence relates to contraception among sex workers who may have different sexual partner perpetrators (clients and intimate partners). The purpose of this study was to examine associations between interpersonal violence perpetrated by clients or intimate partners and contraceptive use.Study DesignData are from an observational, prospective cohort of sex workers, aged 18 to 49 in Baltimore, Maryland (N = 218). Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess associations between lifetime interpersonal violence and past 3-month contraceptive use. The outcome was any woman-controlled contraceptive use versus partner-controlled or no contraception.ResultsNearly all sex workers (96.5%) reported contraceptive use, with most using male condoms (69%), nearly one-half using woman-controlled methods (43%), and 25% using dual methods (e.g., condoms and a woman-controlled method). Lifetime experiences of interpersonal violence by clients (58%) and intimate partners (52%) were prevalent. Sex workers who experienced interpersonal violence by intimate partners had over twice the odds of woman-controlled contraceptive use (adjusted odds ratio, 2.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–4.54).ConclusionsFindings highlight the importance of relationship context in the associations between interpersonal violence and use of woman-controlled contraceptive methods among sex workers, because only violence experiences by intimate partners were associated with increased odds of woman-controlled contraceptive method use.     

Predictors of condom use in sexually active adolescents

Unprotected sexual intercourse places a substantial number of adolescents at risk for sexually transmitted disease (STD) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. While the most effective means of preventing STD/ HIV infection among sexually active adolescents is consistent condom use, little is known about the factors that influence their consistent use among adolescents. This study of adolescents (n = 1049, mean AGE = 16.2 years) found that of the 266 teens who recently became sexually active, only 29% reported using condoms consistently. Consistent condom use was more frequent in males, those with little history of risk behavior and those with stronger intentions to use condoms in the future. Fear and anxiety of HIV, attitudes about risks other than HIV, and other safe behavior intentions were not significantly related to consistent condom use. Although intentions and recent behavior were significantly related, a different group of factors was found to predict intention to use condoms (e.g., perception of condom use by friends, general impulsive attitudes). Identifying and understanding the factors that influence adolescent sexual behavior and intentions is important for developing maximally effective HIV education/prevention programs.     

HIV risk behavior and work in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: The study assessed the prevalence of factors associated with HIV risky behaviour among employees of a Sugar Factory in Jinja District, Uganda. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 321 participants was carried out in a Sugar Factory where several workers were migrants. Using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, information on socio-demographic characteristics, work factors and sexual behaviours was obtained. RESULTS: Fifty-one percent of the men and 32% of the women reported having multiple sex partners in the past year. Thirty-six percent of the respondents reported using condoms during the last casual sex. Twenty-four percent of men and 15% women reported sexually transmitted infection-related symptoms in the last one-year. Having multiple sex partners was associated with being a contract worker (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.10-3.79) and being married but not living with spouse (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.16-4.00). CONCLUSION: HIV risk behaviour among Sugar Factory workers is associated with separation from partner. HIV intervention strategies should include work related factors of this type.     

暗娼商业性行为中安全套使用的影响因素研究进展

异性性传播已成为我国HIV的最主要传播途径,暗娼作为商业异性性传播的主体,不坚持使用安全套是其感染和传播HIV的主要高危行为。本文对暗娼人口学特征、安全套使用的协商、性伴类型、性交方式、暴力、HIV检测等影响商业性行为中安全套使用因素的研究进行综述,为暗娼人群的HIV预防干预、确定未来研究工作的方向提供参考。     

Condom use within marriage: a neglected HIV intervention

OBJECTIVE: To assess the contraceptive effectiveness of condoms versus oral contraceptive pills and estimate the reproductive consequences of a major shift from pill to condom use. METHODS: Secondary analysis was performed on nationally representative cross-sectional surveys of women in 16 developing countries. FINDINGS: In the 16 countries, the median per cent of married couples currently using condoms was 2%, compared with 13% for the pill. Condom users reported a higher 12-month failure and higher method-related discontinuation rates than pill users (9% and 44% vs 6% and 30%, respectively). Condom users were more likely to report subsequent abortion following failure (21% vs 14%), and also more likely to switch rapidly to another method (76% vs 58%). The reproductive consequences, in terms of abortion and unwanted births, of a hypothetical reversal of the relative prevalence of condom and pill were estimated to be minor. The main reason for this unexpected result is that the majority of abortions and unwanted births arise from non-use of any contraceptive method. CONCLUSION: A massive shift from the more effective oral contraceptive pills to the less effective condom would not jeopardize policy goals of reducing abortions and unwanted births. However, such a shift would potentially have an added benefit of preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, especially in countries with generalized HIV epidemics.     

女青年人工流产情况及避孕知识调查

目的:了解郑州市女青年人工流产和避孕知识知晓情况,探讨人工流产影响因素。方法:采用自填式调查问卷,对郑州市年龄≤25岁1100名人工流产女青年进行横断面调查。结果:调查对象年龄为(22.50±1.68)岁,平均月收入为800元,职业以公司职员为主(29.4%),大部分未婚,流动人口占75.1%,初中以下文化程度和常住人口相比有统计学意义;34.9%的女青年经历过流产,首次流产未婚者占72.6%,且随着年龄增加,重复流产率逐渐增高;本次妊娠原因67.9%的女青年未采用避孕措施,32.1%为避孕失败,避孕失败的主要原因是避孕套(44.5%)、安全期(25.2%)和体外排精(15.9%);过去3个月中,最常用的避孕方法是避孕套(82.3%),其次为紧急避孕(28.5%)、安全期(27.7%)、体外排精(22.7%);谈及避孕知识,深入到避孕措施具体使用方法回答正确率较低。结论:非意愿妊娠的主要原因是未采用避孕措施,而使用避孕措施的女青年中,坚持使用和正确使用有效避孕措施率低,且流产女青年掌握的避孕知识有限,应加强未婚人群和流动人口的避孕知识宣教和咨询,内容侧重坚持、正确使用高效避孕措施的宣传,提供优质的计划生育服务,从而避免非意愿妊娠和人工流产。