Unexpectedly High Injection Drug Use, HIV and Hepatitis C Prevalence Among Female Sex Workers in the Republic of Mauritius

Female sex workers (FSW) often have a disproportionately high prevalence of HIV infection and they, along with their clients, are considered a core group contributing to the transmission of HIV in many countries. In 2010, females who reported having vaginal/anal/oral sex in the last 6 months with a male in exchange for money or gifts, aged ≥15 years, and living in Mauritius were recruited into a survey using respondent driven sampling. Consenting females (n = 299) completed a behavioral questionnaire and provided venous blood for HIV, HCV and HBV testing. HIV seroprevalence among FSW was 28.9 % and 43.8 % were infected with HCV; among HIV seropositive FSW, 88.2 % were also infected with HCV. Almost 40 % of FSW reported injecting drugs sometime in their lives and 30.5 % of all FSW reported doing so in the previous 3 months. Among those who ever injected drugs, 82.5 % did so in the past 3 months and among those 60 % reported injecting drugs at least once a day. Among FSW who ever injected drugs, 17.5 % reported sharing a needle at last injection. Regression analyses found injection drug use behaviors to be positively associated with HIV seroprevalence. These findings indicate that FSW, especially those who inject drugs, are at high risk for HIV and HCV infection and transmission and illustrates the need for gender responsive HIV and injection drug use prevention and treatment models that respond to the unique situations that affect this population.     

Behavioral and Psychosocial Correlates of HIV Testing Among Male Clients of Female Sex Workers in Tijuana,Mexico

We use data collected from a sample of 400 male clients of female sex workers (FSW) to examine their HIV testing behavior. We present frequencies of HIV testing and used bivariate and multivariable analyses to assess its socio-demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial correlates. We found that the majority (55 %) of male clients of FSW in Tijuana, Mexico had never had an HIV test and the prevalence of HIV testing within the past year was low (9 %). In multivariable analyses, significant correlates of having ever tested for HIV were higher age, higher HIV knowledge score, lower sexual compulsiveness score, lower misogynistic attitudes score, having a condom break during sex with a FSW, and higher frequency of sex with a FSW while she was high. Our findings represent an important starting point for developing effective interventions to address the need to promote HIV testing among this population.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Abriendo Puertas</Emphasis>: Feasibility and Effectiveness a Multi-Level Intervention to Improve HIV Outcomes Among Female Sex Workers Living with HIV in the Dominican Republic

Female sex workers (FSW) are disproportionately affected by HIV. Yet, few interventions address the needs of FSW living with HIV. We developed a multi-level intervention, Abriendo Puertas (Opening Doors), and assessed its feasibility and effectiveness among a cohort of 250 FSW living with HIV in the Dominican Republic. We conducted socio-behavioral surveys and sexually transmitted infection and viral load testing at baseline and 10-month follow-up. We assessed changes in protected sex and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) with logistic regression using generalized estimating equations. Significant pre-post intervention changes were documented for adherence (72–89 %; p < 0.001) and protected sex (71–81 %; p < 0.002). Higher intervention exposure was significantly associated with changes in adherence (AOR 2.42; 95 % CI 1.23–4.51) and protected sex (AOR 1.76; 95 % CI 1.09–2.84). Illicit drug use was negatively associated with both ART adherence and protected sex. Abriendo Puertas is feasible and effective in improving behavioral HIV outcomes in FSW living with HIV.     

Associations of HIV Testing,Sexual Risk and Access to Prevention Among Female Sex Workers in the Dominican Republic

The Caribbean region has one of the highest proportions of HIV in the general female population attributable to sex work. In 2008 (n = 1256) and 2012 (n = 1525) in the Dominican Republic, HIV biological and behavioral surveys were conducted among female sex workers (FSW) in four provinces using respondent driven sampling. Participants were ≥15 years who engaged in intercourse in exchange for money in the past 6 months and living/working in the study province. There were no statistically significant changes in HIV and other infections prevalence from 2008 to 2012, despite ongoing risky sexual practices. HIV testing and receiving results was low in all provinces. FSW in 2012 were more likely to receive HIV testing and results if they participated in HIV related information and education and had regular checkups at health centers. Further investigation is needed to understand barriers to HIV testing and access to prevention services.     

Motherhood and HIV Risk Among Female Sex Workers in Andhra Pradesh, India: The Need to Consider Women’s Life Contexts

This study examines whether the challenges of motherhood among female sex workers (FSW) are linked with vulnerability to sexual risk factors for HIV. FSW at least 18 years of age (n = 850) were recruited through respondent driven sampling for a survey on HIV risk in the Rajahmundry area of Andhra Pradesh, India. Logistic regression models adjusted for demographic characteristics were used to assess the relation between reported caretaking challenges and sexual risk indicators for HIV. In adjusted logistic regression models, FSW who reported three or more children in their household or current child health concerns were significantly less likely to report consistent condom use (adjusted odds ratios (AORs) range: 0.5–0.6) and more likely to take more money for sex without a condom (both AORs: 2.5). Women who reported current child health concerns were also more likely to report an STI symptom in the past 6 months (AOR = 1.6; 95 % confidence interval: 1.1–2.3). Findings suggest that challenging responsibilities related to caretaking of children are associated with heightened vulnerability to HIV risk among FSW. Such findings add to the cumulating evidence urging for the implementation of HIV prevention interventions that consider the multiple challenges across various domains of women’s lives.     

Anal Sex,Vaginal Sex and HIV Risk Among Female Sex Workers in Papua New Guinea

Female sex workers (FSW) are considered one of the key affected populations in Papua New Guinea at risk of acquiring HIV. An integrated bio-behavioral survey of sex workers in Port Moresby was conducted to determine the nature and extent of this risk. About half (51.1 %) of the 411 FSW who reported having any sexual intercourse with clients had engaged in both anal and vaginal intercourse with clients in the last 6 months. In spite of having poorer HIV knowledge (OR_{95 % CI} = 0.14–0.34), FSW who had anal intercourse with clients were significantly more likely to have used a condom at the last vaginal intercourse with a client (OR_{95 % CI} = 1.04–2.87). Similarly, FSW who had anal intercourse with regular and casual partners were significantly more likely to have used a condom at the last vaginal intercourse. Those who engaged in both anal and vaginal intercourse with clients had similar condom use for both vaginal and anal intercourse, with the majority (78.1 %) using a condom at the last occasion for both vaginal and anal intercourse. These FSW may have different risk and protective factors that affect their use of condom during sexual intercourse. Further research is needed to investigate this difference between those who practice anal intercourse and those who do not in order to provide evidence for better programming.     

2012年四川省艾滋病高危人群哨点监测结果分析

目的了解四川省艾滋病病毒（HIV）感染高危人群中,艾滋病的流行现状及其相关行为特征,为四川省艾滋病防治策略的制定与干预工作的开展提供科学依据。方法采用连续抽样法调查,对暗娼（FSW）、吸毒人群（DUS）、男男性行为人群（MSM）、性病门诊男性就诊者（Male STD）进行问卷调查和血清学检测。结果2012年4类高危人群共监测40091人,FSW、DUS、MSM、Male STD的HIV阳性检出率分别为0．4％、5．4％、11．1％、0．7％。2009—2012年,DUSHIV阳性检出率呈逐年下降趋势（Х^2=43．26,P〈0．001）,但总体仍在相对较高水平;其余高危人群未见下降趋势,MSM仍维持在较高水平（9．7％～11．5％）,FSW（0．3％～0．6％）、Male STD（0．6％～0．7％）则在较低水平波动。FSW最近1个月商业性行为时坚持使用安全套比例为71．6％,DUS最近1个月共用针具比例为23．6％,MSM最近6个月同性肛交时坚持使用安全套的比例为37．4％。结论MSM与DUS人群的HIV阳性检出率处于较高水平,各人群的HIV感染危险因素广泛存在,四川省艾滋病疫情流行态势依然严峻,预防干预工作不容忽视。     

Being Unaware of Being HIV-Infected is Associated with Alcohol Use Disorders and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who have Sex with Men in Peru

This study compared the correlates of HIV risk among men who have sex with men (MSM) with newly diagnosed versus previously known HIV infection among 5,148 MSM recruited using modified snowball sampling in 5 Peruvian cities. Participants, if age ≥18 years and reporting sex with a male in the previous 12 months, underwent standardized computer-assisted risk assessments and HIV and syphilis testing. Overall, 420 (8.2 %) participants tested HIV seropositive, most of whom (89.8 %) were unaware of their HIV status. Compared to those who knew themselves to be HIV-infected, multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that unprotected anal intercourse at last encounter [AOR = 2.84 (95 % CI 1.09–7.40)] and having an alcohol use disorder (AUD) [AOR = 2.14 (95 % CI 1.01–5.54)] were independently associated with a newly diagnosed HIV infection. Being unaware of being HIV-infected was associated with high-risk sexual behaviors and AUDs, both of which are amenable to behavioral and medication-assisted therapy interventions.     

Condoms Used But Sex Not Well Protected

Condom use is often equated to safer sex. The prevalence of condom use during sex work among female sex workers (FSW) in China is high. Condom use, however, co-exists with condom failure and improper use and hence risk of HIV transmission. In a cross-sectional study, we interviewed 195 FSW in Shenzhen, China. The prevalence of condom use in the last episode of sex work was 97.4 %, However, respectively 53.8 and 86.2 % had experienced at least one condition of condom failure that may lead to genital contact (wearing condoms after penetration, condom breakage/slippage, condoms removed by clients) and at least one condition of improper condom use (not removing air from the tip of the condom, not pulling it down to the root of penis and not choosing good quality condoms). Factors of individual level (e.g. never choosing high quality condoms for sex work), inter-personal level (e.g. agreement to have unprotected sex if fond of clients or paid more) and environmental/structural level (e.g. non-availability of condoms) were associated with various types of condom failure and improper use. Although HIV prevention interventions have increased prevalence of condom use among FSW, the risk of HIV transmission may still be high as “unsafe” sex due to condom failure and improper use is prevalent. Interventions promoting safer sex need to address such issues and take socio-ecological factors into account. Condom use during sex work is not equivalent to well protected sex as the protective effects could be compromised by frequent condom failure and improper use.     

Prevalence of HIV and factors associated with risk behaviours among Chinese female sex workers in Hong Kong

The study examined the HIV prevalence and factors associated with risk behaviours among Chinese female sex workers (FSW) in Hong Kong. Unlinked anonymous HIV antibody testing and interviews, using structured questionnaires, were conducted for 293 FSW. None was tested HIV positive. In the last 6 months, 13.7% self-reported having contracted STD, 50.7% were not using condoms with their male clients consistently; 73.3% and 22.6% respectively had had unprotected sex with boyfriends and one-night-stand partners. Believing that condom use with a boyfriend is a mistrust and the perception that one did not have full control over condom use decisions, would agree not to use condoms if being paid more, and could not refuse to have unprotected sex with clients were significantly associated with condom use with various types of sex partners (OR =1.95 to 4.83). FSW has low HIV prevalence but high prevalence of risk behaviours. Bridging effects exist. Empowerment of FSW is warranted.     

HIV Prevalence and Related Risk Factors in Men Who Have Sex with Men in Bamako,Mali: Findings from a Bio-behavioral Survey Using Respondent-Driven Sampling

Using respondent driven sampling, we conducted a cross-sectional bio-behavioral survey among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bamako, Mali. Eligibility criteria included age ≥18 years and having had sex with another man in the last 6 months. We enrolled 552 MSM, 99.6% were tested for HIV. MSM in Bamako were young (69.6% ≤24 years) and educated (63.7% ≥secondary). HIV prevalence among MSM in Bamako was 13.7; 90.1% of HIV-infected men were unaware of their HIV status. Almost one-third had never been tested for HIV. Factors associated with higher odds of HIV included younger age, being receptive with last partner, condom breaking during anal sex in last 6 months, talking to peer educator about HIV, and having sexually transmitted infection symptoms in past year. The results suggest the need for enhanced HIV prevention and treatment services targeted at MSM in Bamako, with emphasis on repeated HIV testing.     

Accuracy of HIV-Related Risk Behaviors Reported by Female Sex Workers, Iran: A Method to Quantify Measurement Bias in Marginalized Populations

We quantified discrepancies in reported behaviors of female sex workers (FSW) by comparing 63 face-to-face interviews (FTFI) to in-depth interviews (IDI), with corroboration of the directions and magnitudes of reporting by a panel of psychologists who work with FSW. Sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were assessed for FTFI responses using IDI as a “gold standard”. Sensitivities were lowest in reporting symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (63.9 %), finding sex partners in venues (52.4 %) and not receiving HIV test results (66.7 %). Specificities (all >83 %) and PPVs (all >74.0 %) were higher than NPV. FSW significantly under-reported number of clients, sexual contacts and non-condom use sex acts with clients and number of days engaging in sex work in the preceding week. This study provides a quantified gauge of reporting biases in FSW behaviors. Such estimates and methods help better understand true HIV risk in marginalized populations and calibrate survey estimates accordingly.     

Alcohol Use and HIV Risk Within Social Networks of MSM Sex Workers in the Dominican Republic

To examine how alcohol-related HIV risk behaviors within MSM sex workers’ social networks (SN) may be associated with individual risk behaviors, respondent-driven and venue-based sampling were used to collect demographic, behavioral and SN characteristics among MSM sex workers in Santo Domingo and Boca Chica (N = 220). The majority of participants reported problem drinking (71.0%) or alcohol use at their last sexual encounter (71.4%). Self-reported problem drinking was associated with SN characteristics (at least one member who recently got drunk aOR = 7.5, no religious/spiritual adviser aOR = 3.0, non-sexual network density aOR = 0.9), while self-reported alcohol use at last sex was associated with individual (drug use at last sex aOR = 4.4) and SN characteristics (at least one member with previous HIV/STI testing aOR = 4.7). Dominican MSM sex workers reported high alcohol use, which may increase their risk for HIV. A better understanding of SN factors associated with individual risk behaviors can help guide appropriate intervention development.     

Remaining Gap in HIV Testing Uptake Among Female Sex Workers in Iran

We estimated the prevalence of recent HIV testing (i.e., having an HIV test during the last 12 months and knew the results) among 1295 HIV-negative Iranian female sex workers (FSW) in 2015. Overall, 70.4% (95% confidence intervals: 59.6, 79.3) of the participants reported a recent HIV testing. Concerns about their HIV status (83.2%) was reported as the most common reason for HIV testing. Incarceration history, having >5 paying partners, having >1 non-paying partner, receiving harm reduction services, utilizing healthcare services, and knowing an HIV testing site were significantly associated with recent HIV testing. In contrast, outreach participants, having one non-paying sexual partner, and self-reported inconsistent condom use reduced the likelihood of recent HIV testing. HIV testing uptake showed a ~2.5 times increase among FSW since 2010. While these findings are promising and show improvement over a short period, HIV testing programs should be expanded particularly through mobile and outreach efforts.     

Prevalence of HIV and Associated Risk Factors Among Long Distance Truck Drivers in Inchope,Mozambique, 2012

This is the first integrated biological and behavioral surveillance survey among long-distance truck drivers (LDTD) in Mozambique. Using modified time-location sampling in 2012 at a key transportation junction (Inchope), we enrolled 327 male LDTD. HIV prevalence was 15.4 % (95 % confidence interval : 11.4–19.4 %, n = 318 tested). Among HIV-positive LDTD, 83.7 % did not know their status. One-third of LDTD had never tested for HIV and three-quarters had not received free condoms, lubricants or HIV literature in the past 12 months. In that same period, 61.4 % of LDTD had at least four sexual partners and 27.1 % paid for sex. Among sexually-active LDTD, 76.5 % did not use a condom at last sex. HIV was associated (p < 0.05) with primary education or lower (AOR 2.1), residence in Mozambique (AOR 2.3) and never having tested for HIV (AOR 2.2). Our findings reveal that broader coverage of HIV prevention and comprehensive care services for LDTD are urgently needed.     

Chlamydia Prevalence and Associated Behaviours Among Female Sex Workers in Vanuatu: Results from an Integrated Bio-behavioural Survey, 2011

There is insufficient data on sexually transmitted infections (STI) and related behaviours among key populations, including female sex workers (FSW), in the Pacific region. Using respondent driven sampling, we conducted an integrated bio-behavioural survey with FSW in Vanuatu (aged ≥18 years) to investigate risk behaviours associations with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). Weighted population estimates and correlates of CT infection were calculated. Among 149 FSW, prevalence of CT was 36 % (95 % CI 26–48 %). Few FSW reported consistent condom use with recent transactional sex partners (TSP) (8 %; 95 % CI 2–13 %). CT infection was positively associated with increasing number of TSP (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.1; 95 % CI 1.0–1.2) and group sex (AOR 2.9; 95 % CI 1.1–8.2). CT was negatively associated with increasing age of first sex (AOR 0.6; 95 % CI 0.5–0.9) and previous STI treatment (AOR 0.1; 95 % CI 0.0–0.4). A comprehensive public health strategy for prevention and treatment of STI among FSW, incorporating community empowerment strategies, FSW-targeted health services and periodic presumptive treatment, is urgently needed in Vanuatu.     

河南省2006年高危险人群艾滋病哨点监测分析

目的了解河南省各类高危人群中艾滋病流行状况及相关行为信息。方法按照《国家级HIV哨点监测方案》和《河南省哨点监测实施方案》要求,分别对暗娼、性病门诊就诊者、吸毒者、男性同性恋者4类高危险人群进行问卷调查和艾滋病病毒(HIV)抗体检测。结果2006年共监测4类人群12 219人,检出HIV抗体阳性24人。13.33%的暗娼哨点、40%的性病门诊就诊者哨点和50%的吸毒者哨点检出HIV抗体阳性者,各哨点阳性率均低于1%,三类哨点阳性率的中位数分别是0.0%、0.0%和0.11%。男性同性恋哨点HIV抗体阳性率为2.67%。暗娼中报告每次使用安全套比例的中位数是24.89%,男性同性恋肛交时每次都用安全套的比例是27.89%。结论HIV在河南省高危人群中呈低流行,但存在HIV传播的多种危险因素,应加强高危险人群的健康教育和行为干预。     

Willingness to take and ever use of pre-exposure prophylaxis among female sex workers in Ghana

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a drug taken by people who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative and at increased risk of acquiring HIV. It''s an effective intervention for HIV prevention. This study seeks to report on the prevalence and determinants of willingness to take and ever use of PrEP among female sex workers (FSW) in Ghana.The data analyzed was obtained from the Integrated Bio-behavioral Surveillance Survey conducted across the 16 regions of Ghana in 2020. Analysis was only performed on FSW who were tested negative to HIV and were sexually active. All included variables were described using medians, percentages, and graphs. Bayesian adjusted odds ratios and 95% credible intervals were estimated using a Bayesian generalized linear model via the binomial family of distributions under the logit link function.Of the 5107 FSW with complete data on willingness to use PrEP, 2737 (53.59%) reported their willingness to take PrEP. Out of the 998 respondents who have ever heard of PrEP only 64 (6.39%) have ever used PrEP. The median age of the respondents was 25 years. People with no comprehensive knowledge of HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome as well as those who entered into the FSW business at age less than 25 years; 946 (34.56%) and 2181 (79.65%) respectively were more willing to take PrEP. FSW from 6 out of the 16 regions of Ghana have never used PrEP. A statistically significant difference between those who entered the sex work at age less than 25 years and those within 25 to 34 years was observed. About 23% of FSWs who had been screened for Sexually Transmitted Infections were more likely to take PrEP.Respondents with lesser age and no comprehensive knowledge of HIV were more willing to take PrEP. The willingness to accept PrEP among FSWs in Ghana is modest. However, utilization is low. Advocacy or intervention programs are required to improve uptake of PrEP.     

Risk Factors Associated with HIV Among Men Who Have Sex Only with Men and Men Who Have Sex with Both Men and Women in Three Urban Areas in Mozambique

Using respondent-driven sampling (RDS), an integrated biological behavioral survey among men that have sex with men (MSM) enrolled 457 participants in Maputo [63.0 % were MSM who had sex with women (MSMW)], 538 in Beira (36.2 % MSMW) and 330 in Nampula-Nacala (54.8 % MSMW) in 2011. Analysis suggests that MSM who have sex only with men (MSMO) had increased odds of having HIV (aOR 2.7) compared to MSMW. HIV among MSMO associated with age, self-reported STI (aOR 4.2), having a single male anal partner (aOR 3.8) and having transactional sex with a man (aOR 3.5) in the past year. Among MSMW, HIV associated with age, lower education (aOR 32.5), being uncircumcised (aOR 3.1) and having transactional sex with a woman (aOR 6.0) in the past year. Findings confirm that MSMO and MSMW have distinct HIV risks in Mozambique; HIV programs for MSM in Southern Africa should take such differences into consideration.