Levels of alcohol use and history of HIV testing among female sex workers in Mombasa,Kenya

HIV testing is a critical first step to accessing HIV care and treatment, particularly for high-risk groups such as female sex workers (FSWs). Alcohol use may be a barrier to accessing HIV services, including HIV testing. We analyzed data from a cross-sectional survey of 818 FSWs in Mombasa, Kenya, and estimated the association between different levels of alcohol use and having never tested for HIV. In multivariable analyses, higher levels of alcohol consumption were associated with having never tested for HIV (PR 1.60; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.40). Future interventions should explore whether reducing harmful drinking improves HIV testing among FSWs.     

HIV care and treatment experiences among female sex workers living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

Female sex workers (FSW) living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa have poor engagement to HIV care and treatment. Understanding the HIV care and treatment engagement experiences of FSW has important implications for interventions to enhance care and treatment outcomes. We conducted a systematic review to examine the HIV care experiences and determinants of linkage and retention in care, antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, and ART adherence and viral suppression among FSW living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. The databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Global Health, Psycinfo, Sociological Abstracts, and Popline were searched for variations of search terms related to sex work and HIV care and treatment among sub-Saharan African populations. Ten peer-reviewed articles published between January 2000 and August 2015 met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Despite expanded ART access, FSW in sub-Saharan Africa have sub-optimal HIV care and treatment engagement outcomes. Stigma, discrimination, poor nutrition, food insecurity, and substance use were commonly reported and associated with poor linkage to care, retention in care, and ART initiation. Included studies suggest that interventions with FSW should focus on multilevel barriers to engagement in HIV care and treatment and explore the involvement of social support from intimate male partners. Our results emphasise several critical points of intervention for FSW living with HIV, which are urgently needed to enhance linkage to HIV care, retention in care, and treatment initiation, particularly where the HIV prevalence among FSW is greatest.     

云南省德宏州外籍暗娼艾滋病感染及其影响因素

目的了解云南省德宏州外籍暗娼艾滋病病毒（HIV）感染及相关因素状况。方法运用普查方法,对德宏州3个边境县（市）全部暗娼活动场所的外籍暗娼进行调查。匿名问卷调查收集社会人口学、艾滋病防治服务及高危行为等信息,并抽取5毫升静脉血进行HIV抗体血清学检测。结果共有238名外籍暗娼接受调查,HIV感染率为4.2％。34.5％最近1个月与客人发生性行为时未坚持使用安全套。多因素非条件Logistic回归分析结果显示,23～26岁感染HIV风险是≤22岁的10.8倍,最近1次与客人发生性行为时未使用安全套者感染HIV风险是使用者的7.8倍;未使用安全套的危险因素有艾滋病知识不知晓[比值比（OR）=4.4,95％可信区间（CD：1.9～10.2],年龄〉26岁（OR=2.4,95％CI：1.0～5.7）,以及在当地工作≥6个月（OR=2.8,95％CI：l.6～5.1）。结论德宏州外籍暗娼HIV感染率高,安全套坚持使用率不高,迫切需要加大艾滋病预防干预覆盖面及干预力度。     

HIV seroprevalence and high-risk sexual behavior among female sex workers in Central Brazil

Female sex workers (FSWs) are considered a high-risk group for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection due to their social vulnerability and factors associated with their work. We estimated the prevalence of HIV, and identified viral subtypes and risk factors among FSWs. A cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method was conducted among 402 FSWs in Campo Grande city, Brazil, from 2009 to 2011. Participants were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire about sociodemograpic characteristics and risk behavior. Blood samples were collected for serological testing of HIV. Of the 402 FSWs, median age and age of initiating sex work were 25 years (Interquartile range [IQR]: 9) and 20 years (IQR: 6), respectively. The majority reported use of alcohol (88.5%), had 5–9 years (median: 9; IQR: 3) of schooling (54.5%), 68.6% had tattoos/body piercings, and 45.1% had more than seven clients per week (median: 7; IQR: 10). Only 32.9% of FSW reported using a condom with nonpaying partners in the last sexual contact. Prevalence of HIV infection was 1.0% (95% CI: 0.1–2.6%). Genotyping for HIV-1 performed on three samples detected subtypes B, C, and F1. Sex work in the Midwestern region of Brazil is characterized by reduced education, large numbers of clients per week, and inconsistent condom use, mainly with nonpaying partners. Although prevalence of HIV infection is currently low, elevated levels of high-risk sexual behavior confirm a need to implement prevention measures. Specific interventions targeting FSWs must emphasize the risk associated with both clients and nonpaying partners while providing knowledge about HIV prevention.     

Perceptions and attitudes towards acceptability of HIV self-testing among female sex workers in Selibe Phikwe,Botswana

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 71% of the global burden of HIV infection. For the general population of Botswana, the estimated HIV prevalence is 18.5%; for female sex workers it is 61.9%. This study explored and documented female sex workers’ perceptions and attitudes towards the acceptability of HIV self-testing in Selibe Phikwe, north-eastern Botswana.

Methods: Purposive convenience sampling and snowballing approaches were used to recruit 17 participants into the study which was carried out in collaboration with a community-based organisation, the Silence Kills Support Group. Two focus group discussions and five in-depth interviews were conducted. Information was collected on female sex workers’ awareness of HIV self-testing, their willingness to use it, their preferred distribution model, and their preferred test kit. Themes and subthemes that emerged were interpreted based on the Integrated Behavioural Model.

Results: HIV self-testing (HIVST) was not known to most participants. Participants expressed negative attitude towards HIVST due to a lack of knowledge and confidence to carry out self-testing independently. Participants preferred facility-based services and a blood test over HIVST. Inadequate post-test counselling and lack of assisted HIVST were among their major concerns. Raising community awareness of HIVST through education was suggested.

Conclusion: Improving the uptake of HIVST will require community sensitization, the availability of counselling services, close follow-ups, and the introduction of assisted HIVST approaches.     

Why female sex workers participate in HIV research: the illusion of voluntariness

The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing the motivation for and perceived voluntariness of participation in non-intervention HIV research among female sex workers (FSW) in India. FSW (n?=?30) who participated in non-intervention HIV studies in the previous three years were recruited from a local community-based organization. Semi-structured qualitative interviews focused on women’s personal and economic motivations for participation and their perceptions of the informed consent process. Interviews were audio-recorded, translated, transcribed, and reviewed for common themes. Content analysis indicated that while many women reported willing participation, reports of obligatory participation were also a common theme. Obligations included money-related pressures and coercion by other FSW, social pressures, not wanting to disappoint the researchers, and perceiving that they had a contractual agreement to complete participation as a result of signing the consent form. Findings suggest a need for additional efforts during and following informed consent to prevent obligatory participation in HIV research studies among FSW. Findings emphasize the importance of integrating ongoing participant feedback into research ethics practices to identify issues not well addressed via standard ethics protocols when conducting HIV research among vulnerable populations.     

High acceptability of HIV voluntary counselling and testing among female sex workers: impact of individual and social factors

Objectives

Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV infection is an important tool for prevention of HIV infection and AIDS in high‐risk groups. Our goal was to describe the acceptability and consequences of VCT among a stigmatized and vulnerable group, female sex workers (FSWs), in Conakry, Guinea.

Methods

Acceptance of the test and return for test results at baseline and consequences of testing 1 year later were described. The perceived risk of HIV infection and perceived benefits and barriers to testing were examined using quantitative and qualitative methods.

Results

All 421 FSW participants agreed to undergo VCT and most participants (92%) returned for their results. The main reason cited for VCT acceptance was the wish to know their HIV status. However, some managers of FSW worksites urged FSWs to be tested, curtailing FSWs' free decision‐making. One year later, status disclosure was common (90% of the 198 individuals who knew their results among those who participated in the follow‐up part of the study). Positive consequences of testing were far more frequently reported than negative consequences (98% vs. 2%, respectively). Negative life events included banishment from the worksite (one case) and verbal abuse (two cases).

Conclusion

Acceptability of VCT appears high in the FSW population in Conakry as a consequence of both perceptions of high individual risk and social pressures.     

Low uptake of HIV testing among male clients of female sex workers in China

Male client of female sex workers (MCFSW) is a sizable population transmitting HIV from high-risk population to female general population in China. This study was to investigate the prevalence of taking up any forms of HIV testing in lifetime and in the past year among MCFSW in Hong Kong. Factors associated with uptake of any forms HIV testing in the past year were also investigated. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Participants were Hong Kong Chinese males aged ≥18 years, and self-reported had patronized at least one female sex workers (FSW) in the last six months. A total of 303 MCFSW recruited online (n?=?160) or from venues (n?=?143) completed the self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression was used for data analysis. The prevalence of taking up any forms of HIV testing in lifetime and last year was 49.2% and 23.8%, respectively. Adjusting for these background variables, scale scores representing perceived severity of HIV infection (AOR: 1.17), perceived benefits of HIV testing (AOR: 1.18) and perceived self-efficacy in taking up HIV testing (AOR: 1.36) were significantly and positively associated with uptake of any forms of HIV testing in the last year, while negative associations were found for the Perceived Psychological Barrier Scale (AOR=?0.88) and the Perceived Logistical Barrier Scale (AOR: 0.78). MCFSW in Hong Kong reported low uptake of HIV testing. Health promotion is urgently needed. Modifying perceptions related to the Health Belief Model are potential useful strategies. The potential of using HIV self-testing to increase HIV testing coverage among MCFSW should also be considered.     

某地暗娼中安全套使用情况调查

目的 对某地暗娼关于安全套使用的知识、态度及行为进行调查。以期为预防性病／艾滋病健康教育和政策制定提供参考信息。方法 典型抽样方法，选取某县城娱乐场所全部服务小姐进行面对面问卷调查。结果 回收问卷176份，有效问卷120份。调查对象多为初中文化水平，18—24岁居多，安全套使用知识较差，态度比较积极，最近半个月内，35％在接新客人时“每次都用”安全套，15％在接老客人时“每次都用”安全套；在与男友／丈夫发生性关系时9．2％“每次都用”安全套。结论 暗娼中安全套的使用率较低，而且存在着不平衡现象。亟需通过健康教育，提高暗娼的安全套使用知识和普遍防护的概念。     

Age group differences in HIV risk and mental health problems among female sex workers in Southwest China

HIV risk and mental health problems are prevalent among female sex workers (FSWs) in China. The purpose of this research was to study age group differences in HIV risk and mental health problems in this population. In the current study, we divided a sample of 1022 FSWs into three age groups (≤?20 years, 21–34 years, and ≥?35 years). Results showed that among the three groups (1) older FSWs (≥?35 years) were likely to be socioeconomically disadvantaged (e.g., rural residency, little education, employment in low-paying venues, and low monthly income); (2) older FSWs reported the highest rates of inconsistent, ineffective condom use, and sexually transmitted diseases history; (3) younger FSWs (≤?20 years) reported the highest level of depression, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, regular-partner violence, and substance use; (4) all health-related risks except casual-partner violence were more prevalent among older and younger FSWs than among FSWs aged 21–34 years; and (5) age had a significant effect on all health indicators except suicide attempts after controlling for several key demographic factors. These findings indicate the need for intervention efforts to address varying needs among FSWs in different age groups. Specific interventional efforts are needed to reduce older FSWs' exposure to HIV risk; meanwhile, more attention should be given to improve FSWs' mental health status, especially among younger FSWs.     

女性性工作者对女用安全套的接受性研究进展

女用安全套（以下简称＂女套＂）是放入妇女阴道、通过屏障作用来避孕和预防性传播疾病的工具。现在世界上女套产品不止一种,但女套接受性研究目前主要针对世界第一个女套产品FC1/2。该文就女性性工作者（FSW）对女套的接受性、影响因素,以及在该人群中开展女套干预的方法进行综述。由于不同研究的干预设计和所选择的接受性指标的差异,文献报告FSW女套接受性结果变化较大。例如,国外研究中,干预后＂调查前1个月,使用女套＂的妇女在40%～76%之间,而国内研究中该比例为4%～15%。有研究报告,女套加入男套的干预可以减少FSW无保护性行为。例如国内研究中,干预12个月后,FSW最近1个月坚持使用安全套的比例增加了2～15个百分点。除了干预因素外,女套产品特点、年龄、性服务场所类型以及性伴态度,是影响FSW女套接受性的主要因素。干预中,女套使用技能训练和练习是改善接受性的重要环节。     

Factors associated with establishment-based female sex workers accessing health care services in Shanghai

Female sex workers are a priority population for HIV prevention and health promotion in China. This paper examines the patterns of and factors associated with the utilisation of HIV-related and general health services by establishment-based sex workers in Hongkou District, Shanghai. Participants were recruited through a three-stage sampling strategy and invited to self-complete a brief survey in 2012. The median age of the 400 participants included in the analyses was 33 years (range = 18–52 years old), with over three-quarters being married at the time of the survey. Participants were mostly internal migrants, more than half had lived in Shanghai for six months or longer and nearly two-thirds were working in an establishment with a total of less than five female sex workers. Routine physical examination and HIV testing were the most commonly accessed health services in the previous 12 months. Altogether, 347 women (86.8%) had actively sought, including 157 women had obtained, free health services mainly from local Community Health Service Centres (CHSCs) in the previous 12 months. The active seeking of free, largely CHSC-provided health services was associated with a longer duration of residence in Shanghai (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.32–4.93; p < 0.01) and having tested for HIV in the previous 12 months (AOR = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.84–7.38; p < 0.001). Conversely, a higher annual income (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.21–0.80; p < 0.01), working in a larger establishment (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.20–0.79; p < 0.01) and knowing that HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusion with unscreened blood (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05–0.91; p < 0.05) were associated with not actively seeking such services. Free, community-based health services are highly demanded by establishment-based female sex workers in Shanghai. Scaling-up of free and integrated health services provided by community-based health service providers in metropolitan areas in China and beyond holds promise for promoting health and well-being of female sex workers.     

Demographic and behavioral correlates of HIV/STI among Vietnamese female sex workers in southwest China

Previous literature has suggested high rates of HIV/STIs among Chinese FSWs. However, limited data were available regarding HIV-related risks among Vietnamese FSWs – a rapidly increasing, vulnerable population in southwest China. The current study examined the demographic and behavioral factors associated with the infection rates of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis C (HCV) among Vietnamese FSWs in Guangxi, China. We conducted a secondary data analysis of a cumulative sample of 1026 Vietnamese FSWs (aged 14–66) recruited over five years (2010–2014) from 35 National Sentinel Surveillance sites in Guangxi. Analyses included Fisher’s exact chi-square test, t-test, and binary logistic regression. The overall prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and HCV infections among the cross-border women were 3.2%, 6.9%, and 2.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that greater lengths of sex work and low paying work venues were significant risk factors for HIV infection; for syphilis infection, older age, drug use experience, and forgoing condom use were significant risk factors; for HCV infection, drug use experience was the only significant risk factor. Our findings suggest that elevated HIV-related risks among the Vietnamese FSWs are closely related to their financial disadvantages and that drug use is a prominent risk factor for cross-border women in the sex trade. Furthermore, culturally tailored and linguistically accessible HIV prevention and intervention initiatives that target cross-border FSWs, with a close international collaboration between China and Vietnam, are urgently needed.     

Drug use among female sex workers in Hanoi, Vietnam

AIMS: To describe the drug use practices among female sex workers (FSWs) in Hanoi and to identify factors associated with their drug injecting. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A two-stage cluster survey of 400 FSWs was conducted from June to September, 2002. Participating FSWs were both establishment- (160) and street-based (240), who were practising in seven urban and one suburban districts of Hanoi. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects were interviewed face to face using a structured questionnaire. FINDINGS: Among the middle-class FSWs, 27% used drugs, of whom 79% injected. Among low-class FSWs, 46% used drugs and 85% injected. Among drug-using FSWs, 86% had started using drugs within the past 6 years. Among drug-injecting FSWs, 81% had started injecting within the past 4 years. Cleaning of injecting equipment was not common among those who shared. Having drug-injecting 'love mates', drug-using clients, longer residence in Hanoi, more clients and not currently cohabiting were found to be independently associated with drug injecting among FSWs. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of injecting drug use among FSWs makes them susceptible to HIV infection, and is a threat to their clients. There is a strong relationship between drug-using FSWs and male drug-using clients and non-client partners. Intervention to prevent drug use initiation among non-drug-using FSWs and harm reduction among drug-using FSWs are urgently needed.     

Social support and amphetamine-type stimulant use among female sex workers in China

Background: Existing research has suggested a positive role of social support in reducing drug use among female sex workers (FSWs). However, there is limited research on the role of social support in amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use among FSWs in China. This study explored the present situation of ATS use among FSWs in Guangxi, China and examined the associations of different types of social support from different sources with ATS use.

Method: A sample of 1022 FSWs was recruited from 56 commercial sex venues in Guangxi Autonomous Region in China. Bivariate comparison was used to compare demographic characteristics and source of emotional or tangible social support across frequency of ATS use among FSWs. The relationship between social support and ATS use was examined using multiple ordinal logistic regression models controlling for the potential confounding effects of demographic variables.

Results: The multiple ordinal logistic regression indicated that FSWs who were from younger age groups (aOR?=?10.88 for age group <20; aOR?=?2.80 for age group 20–23), and from all higher-income venues (aOR?=?1.96 for venue level 1; aOR?=?2.28 for venue level 2; aOR?=?1.81 for venue level 3) tended to use ATS more frequently. They also tended to use ATS more frequently when they depended on their boyfriends (aOR?=?1.08) for emotional support or on their co-workers for tangible support (aOR?=?1.17).

Conclusions: Different types of social support from different sources can be either positively or negatively associated with ATS use among FSWs, therefore, the future intervention efforts should differentiate and target different types and different sources of social support in response to the living and work conditions of FSWs.     

岑溪市暗娼商业性性行为使用安全套情况及影响因素

目的了解岑溪市暗娼人群最近1个月商业性性行为安全套的使用情况及其影响因素。方法用分层随机抽样法,调查收集岑溪市高、中、低档场所暗娼商业性性行为相关信息。用非条件Logistic回归方法分析安全套使用的相关因素。结果共调查400名暗娼,最近1个月商业性性行为安全套坚持使用率为66.8%。经非条件Logistic回归分析发现,暗娼最近1个月的商业性性行为是否坚持使用安全套与娱乐场所档次、婚姻状况、艾滋病知识知晓等因素有关。结论应针对不同档次的娱乐场所,不同婚姻状况和不同艾滋病相关知识知晓程度的暗娼开展行为干预工作,特别是对低档场所、相关知识知晓程度较低的暗娼,要加大干预力度,并大力推广安全套的使用。     

Attracting female sex workers to HIV testing and counselling in Ethiopia: a qualitative study with sex workers in Addis Ababa

Despite growing efforts to increase HIV testing and counselling (HTC) services for most at risk populations in Ethiopia, the use of these services by female sex workers (FSWs) remains low. With rising numbers of FSWs in Addis Ketema and concerns about their high risk behaviours, exploring and addressing the barriers to uptake is crucial. This qualitative study explores the barriers to utilising HTC facilities and identifies the motives and motivations of FSWs who seek HTC through in-depth and semi-structured interviews with female sex workers, healthcare workers and key informants. Results indicate that FSWs face numerous barriers including inability to seek treatment if found to be positive due to the requirement of an identity (ID) card many do not own. Many FSWs reported discriminatory behaviour from healthcare workers and a lack of dedicated services. What is clear from the findings is that distinct strategies, which differ from those of the broader population, are required to attract FSWs — strategies which take into account the barriers and maximise the reported motives and motivations for testing.     

Food insecurity,HIV/AIDS pandemic and sexual behaviour of female commercial sex workers in Lagos metropolis,Nigeria

This study examined the role of hunger and food insecurity in the sexual behaviour of female commercial sex workers in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria within the context of HIV/AIDS. In addition, the study investigated the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and induced abortion among the respondents. Cross-sectional survey and in-depth interview research methods were adopted to generate both quantitative and qualitative data from the respondents. Findings of the study showed that 35.0% of the respondents joined the sex industry because of poverty and lack of other means of getting daily food. While all the respondents had knowledge about the existence of HIV/AIDS, 82.0% of them identified sexual intercourse as a major route of HIV transmission. There was a significant relationship between poverty, food insecurity and consistent use of condoms by female sex workers at P<0.01. Specifically, only 24.7% of the respondents used condoms regularly in every sexual act. Consequently, 51.6% had previous cases of STIs. The most prevalent STI among the respondents was gonorrhea, with 76.4% prevalence among ever infected female sex workers. This was followed by syphilis with a prevalence of 21.1%. In addition, 59.1% of the sample had become pregnant while on the job and 93.1% of these pregnancies were aborted through induced abortion. In conclusion, hunger and malnutrition were the factors that pushed young women into prostitution in Nigeria and these same factors hindered them from practicing safe sex within the sex industry. Thus, it is recommended that the Nigerian government should develop programmes that will reduce hunger and food insecurity, in order to reduce rapid transmission of HIV infection in the country.     

The female sex work typology in India in the context of HIV/AIDS

Objective  To conduct a critical review of the typology of female sex work in India.
Method  Published and unpublished studies (1986–2008) were identified through electronic databases, hand searching and contacting experts.
Results  The review assesses the appropriateness of the existing typologies from a programmatic perspective and identifies their strengths and limitations. It indicates there is conceptual confusion around the typology and that none of the existing typologies are exhaustive, in that none includes all types of sex work documented in India. The typology developed by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) is the most comprehensive. The typology is based on the primary place of solicitation and categorizes female sex workers (FSWs) as brothel-based, street-based, home-based, lodge-based, dhaba-based and highway-based FSWs. However, this typology has its limitations. First, it does not include all categories of FSWs documented in the literature, such as indirect-primary (primarily solicit clients at their places of work, which are venues where facilitating sex work is their main purpose e.g. massage parlours, bars), indirect-secondary (primarily solicit clients at their places of work, which are in non-sex work related industries e.g. agriculture, construction) and phone-based FSWs (primarily solicit clients through phones). Second, the methodology used to develop the typology proposed by NACO or by any other researchers is not explicit. In addition, the extent to which the typology captures the HIV risk variability between FSWs types is not explored.
Conclusion  There is a need to develop an evidence-based, inclusive typology which takes account of HIV risk for researchers and programmers.     

The absence of HIV seropositivity contrasts with a high prevalence of markers of sexually transmitted infections among registered female sex workers in Toliary,Madagascar

In a cross-sectional study in 1998 we assessed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis infections and their risk factors among the 316 registered female sex workers (FSWs) of Toliary, south-west Madagascar. No case of HIV infection was detected, but 18.4% of registered FSWs had syphilis. Only half of these women regularly used condoms. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, risk factors for syphilis infection were multiple clients per week and, paradoxically, regular use of condoms. The variables associated with irregular use of condoms were younger ages of registered FSWs, multiple clients per week and Malagasy clients. The high prevalence of syphilis infection associated with irregular use of condoms might facilitate a very fast spread of HIV infection among these FSWs. Promotion of condom use and surveillance of sexually transmitted infections and HIV infection incidence are needed in the south of Madagascar.