Sexually transmissible infections among illegal female sex workers in Israel

Sexual Health ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie G. Cwikel ◽  
Tal Lazer ◽  
Fernanda Press ◽  
Simcha Lazer
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Sexual Health Care ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Due to the mobile and clandestine nature of those who enter a country illegally, female sex workers (FSWs) who are working without papers or work permits often have no access to sexual health care. This study reports on the sexually transmissible infection (STI) prevalence among a sample of 43 sex workers working illegally. Brothel workers from republics of the Former Soviet Union (FSU), working in two locales in Israel were tested for the presence of eight pathogens and the presence of pathology by Pap smear. Of these brothel workers, 48.8% had at least one positive STI result, 14% had two STIs and one woman had three STIs. There were no cases of HIV, gonorrhoea or malignancy detected; high rates of ureaplasma (26.8%) and chlamydia were found (16.7%). Four cases of hepatitis C (9%) and three cases of hepatitis B (7%) and mycoplasma (7%) were detected. There was no relationship between reported symptoms and the detection of STIs. The level of STIs is high among this population of FSWs and it is imperative to develop more accessible health services for these women.

Outreach services to brothels facilitate sexually transmissible infection testing for Asian sex workers in regional Australia

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 301
Author(s):  
Joanna Mesure ◽  
Nathan Ryder
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Culturally And Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Outreach Services ◽  
Regional Australia ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Outreach services providing sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing on-site in brothels were introduced in 2012 by Pacific Clinic Newcastle, Australia. Asian female sex workers (FSW) were more likely than non-culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) FSW to access testing via outreach services than in clinics (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.82–3.11, P < 0.0001) and to test positive for chlamydia or gonorrhoea (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.58–4.20, P = 0.0001). Outreach services offering testing on-site in brothels are recommended to facilitate access for Asian FSW in similar settings.

Sexually transmissible infections among sex workers and their clients: variation in prevalence between sectors of the industry

Sexual Health ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charrlotte Seib ◽  
Joseph Debattista ◽  
Jane Fischer ◽  
Michael Dunne ◽  
Jackob M. Najman
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sex Industry ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Report Data ◽  
Self Report Data ◽  
Industry Sectors ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Objectives: The risk of sexually transmissible infection (STI) among sex workers and their clients may be higher than the general population. However, many studies have categorised workers or clients into homogenous groups for the purposes of analysis. The aim of the present study was to assess variations in self-reported STI rates among licenced brothel, private and illegal sex workers and their clients. Methods: In 2003, self-report data were collected from female sex workers and their male commercial clients residing in the state of Queensland, Australia. Overall, 247 sex workers (aged 19–57 years) and 185 of their respective clients (aged between 19 and 72 years) completed anonymous questionnaires. Results: There was little variation in self-reported lifetime STI prevalence of licenced brothel, private and illegal (predominantly street-based) sex workers, although licenced brothel workers were less likely to report ever being diagnosed with gonorrhoea or pubic lice in the past (P = 0.035 and 0.004 respectively). In contrast, clients accessing illegal services reported higher lifetime STI (36.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 20.2–55.6) than men recruited through private sex workers (20.0%, 95% CI 11.4–32.5) and clients from licenced brothels (7.6%, 95% CI 3.7–14.5). Conclusions: This study found high self-reported lifetime prevalence of infection among sex workers and their clients. It is notable, however, that lower STI rates were reported by clients and sex workers from licenced brothels. This would suggest that risk of infection is not equivalent across industry sectors and highlights some of the inherent risks associated with generalisation across the sex industry.

Cross-sectional survey of Chinese-speaking and Thai-speaking female sex workers in Sydney, Australia: factors associated with consistent condom use

Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalind Foster ◽  
Lynne McCormack ◽  
Caroline Thng ◽  
Handan Wand ◽  
Anna McNulty
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Consistent Condom Use ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Vaginal Sex ◽  
Sydney Australia ◽  
Sex Practices

Background Previous studies have described inconsistent condom use in Chinese- and Thai-speaking female sex workers in Sydney, Australia. In the present study, we describe the demographics and safe sexual practices in the Chinese- and Thai-speaking female sex workers attending the Sydney Sexual Health Centre (SSHC) in 2014–15. Methods: A self-completed 60-item anonymous questionnaire, adapted from previous surveys conducted in 1993 and 2003, was translated into Chinese and Thai and administered to female sex workers attending the SSHC or seen on outreach. Results: In all, 488 surveys were distributed, of which 435 were returned; 43% in Chinese and 57% in Thai. Most women did not plan on sex work before their arrival in Australia. Compared with Chinese-speaking women, Thai-speaking women rated themselves higher on English language literacy, had better knowledge of the transmission of HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and were more likely to practice 100% condom use. Overall, 72% of the sex workers surveyed reported consistent condom use for vaginal sex at work. Conclusions: Consistent condom use for vaginal sex at work among Chinese- and Thai-speaking female sex workers has decreased slightly from that reported in a similar survey conducted by the SSHC in 2003, when 85% of sex workers reported consistent condom use. There are significant differences between Chinese- and Thai-speaking sex workers in terms of both knowledge and safer sex practices. Ongoing health promotion efforts should focus on providing culturally appropriate education around STIs and safe sex practices not only to workers, but also to parlour owners, managers and consumers.

Group sex events among female sex workers in Melbourne, Australia

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 534
Author(s):  
Evelyn M. Turek ◽  
Christopher K. Fairley ◽  
Marjan Tabesh ◽  
Tiffany R. Phillips ◽  
Eric P. F. Chow
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
The Past ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Group Sex

Background Group sex is associated with increased risk of HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STIs), but there is limited data on group sex among female sex workers (FSW). Understanding current group sex practices among FSW may assist with understanding and addressing the rise in STIs observed among Australian FSW in the 2010s. The aim of this study was to examine the proportion of FSWs who had engaged in group sex. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among FSWs attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia, between March and April 2019. Females aged ≥18 years who self-reported as a sex worker were invited to participate in the survey asking whether they had had group sex in the past 3 months. Group sex was defined as sex that involved two or more sexual partners. Results: Of the 51 FSWs who completed the survey, the median age was 29 years (IQR 24–34). Almost half (49%; n = 25) reported having group sex in the past 3 months, with a median number of group sex events of two (IQR 1–4). Australian-born FSW were more likely to report group sex than overseas-born FSW (76% vs 42%; P = 0.02). Age, number of paid clients and injecting drug use were not associated with group sex. Conclusion: The present study findings show that group sex is common among FSW and should be included in peer sexual health education and interventions among FSW.

The prevalence of sexually transmissible infections among female sex workers from countries with low and high prevalences in Melbourne

Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiping Tang ◽  
Jane S. Hocking ◽  
Glenda Fehler ◽  
Hennriette Williams ◽  
Marcus Y. Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Retrospective Data Analysis ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Centre Database ◽  
Low Prevalence

Objectives To assess the proportion of female sex workers (FSWs) from low-prevalence (‘other’) and high-prevalence countries (HPCs) for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in Melbourne. Methods: Retrospective data analysis from the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre database for February 2002–May 2011. Results: Some 1702 HPC FSWs, 2594 other FSWs and 13 644 nonFSW women were included, with 12 891 and 21 611 consultations, respectively, for HPC FSWs and other FSWs. Proportions of HPC FSWs with chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) (4.2% v. 3.3%, P = 0.14), gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) (0.24% v. 0.31%, P = 0.66) or trichomonas (0.65 v. 0.46, P = 0.42) at first visit were similar to those of other FSWs, but nonFSWs had a higher prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea (P < 0.01). On return visits, chlamydia (1.2% v. 0.92%, P < 0.05) and gonorrhoea (0.29% v. 0.10%, P = <0.05) were more common in HPC FSWs than other FSWs. The presence of any of these STIs among FSWs was predicted by having private nonpaying partners in the last year (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.99 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.52–2.61)), having private partners from overseas (AOR: 1.69 (95% CI: 1.33–2.16)) and being a HPC FSW (AOR: 1.38 (95% CI: 1.12–1.72)). Injecting drug use was less common in HPC FSWs than in other FSWs (0.82% v. 16.54%, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: STI prevalence was low among FSWs from countries with high and low background STI. Among FSWs having private sex partners and private partners from overseas were the primary predictors for STIs.

scholarly journals Degree and correlates of sexual mixing in female sex workers in Karnataka, India

Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bidhubhusan Mahapatra ◽  
Catherine M. Lowndes ◽  
Kaveri Gurav ◽  
Banadakoppa M. Ramesh ◽  
Stephen Moses ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Work ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Age Difference ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
The Difference

Background The degree of sexual mixing plays an important role in understanding disparities in sexually transmissible infections and HIV across social groups. This study examines the degree of sexual age mixing, and explores its individual and partnership level correlates among female sex workers (FSWs) in Karnataka, India. Methods: Data were drawn from special behavioural surveys conducted in 2006–07 among 577 FSWs in two districts of Karnataka: Belgaum and Bangalore. Sexual mixing in age was assessed as the difference in age between FSWs and their sexual partners, and the degree of assortativeness in sexual mixing was assessed using Newman’s assortativity coefficient. Results: A total of 577 FSWs were interviewed; 418 of whom reported two or more partnerships, resulting in 942 partnerships. In about half (52%) of these partnerships, the age difference between the FSW and her sexual partner was 5 years or more. The degree of assortativity in age mixing was 0.098, indicating minimally assortative mixing. The disassortativeness in age mixing was positively associated with young age and no formal education, and negatively with duration in sex work. Partnerships which were of a commercial nature were more likely to be disassortative than noncommercial partnerships. Conclusion: The minimally assortative age mixing indicates sexually transmissible infections can transfer from members of one age group to another. Efforts are required to limit the transmission of infection from one group to other by promoting safer sexual behaviour.

Sexually transmissible infections among female sex workers: an international review with an emphasis on hard-to-access populations

Sexual Health ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie G. Cwikel ◽  
Tal Lazer ◽  
Fernanda Press ◽  
Simcha Lazer
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
The World ◽  
Neisseria Gonorrhea

Background: Women who work commercially in sex work (female sex workers [FSW]) are considered a high-risk group for sexually transmissible infections (STI), yet the level of reported pathogens varies in studies around the world. This study reviewed STI rates reported in 42 studies of FSW around the world published between 1995 and 2006 and analysed the trends and types of populations surveyed, emphasising difficult to access FSW populations. Methods:Studies were retrieved by PUBMED and other search engines and were included if two or more pathogens were studied and valid laboratory methods were reported. Results: The five most commonly assessed pathogens were Neisseria gonorrhea (prevalence 0.5–41.3), Chlamydia trachomatis (0.61–46.2), Treponema pallidum (syphilis; 1.5–60.5), HIV (0–76.6), and Trichomonas vaginalis (trichmoniasis; 0.11–51.0). Neisseria gonorrhea and C. trachomatis were the most commonly tested pathogens and high prevalence levels were found in diverse areas of the world. HIV was highly prevalent mostly in African countries. Although human papillomavirus infection was surveyed in few studies, prevalence rates were very high and its aetiological role in cervical cancer warrant its inclusion in future FSW monitoring. Hard-to-access FSW groups tended to have higher rates of STI. Conclusions: The five most commonly detected pathogens correspond to those that are highly prevalent in the general population, however there is an urgent need to develop rapid testing diagnostics for all five pathogens to increase prevention and treatment, especially in outreach programs to the most vulnerable groups among FSW.

Sexually transmissible infections among female sex workers in Amsterdam between 2011 and 2016: does risk vary by work location?

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 368
Author(s):  
Eline van Dulm ◽  
Elske Marra ◽  
Michelle M. Kroone ◽  
Anna E. van Dijk ◽  
Arjan A. Hogewoning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Infectious Hepatitis ◽  
The Other ◽  
Work Location ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
B Virus

Abstract Background Female sex workers (FSW) are at risk for sexually transmissible infections (STI). This study aimed to investigate whether the risk for chlamydia and gonorrhoea differs by work location among FSW in Amsterdam. Additionally, trends in STI positivity rates between 2011 and 2016 were assessed. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of routinely collected clinical data during STI consultations of FSW by the Prostitution and Healthcare Centre (P&amp;G292). Work location was categorised as window prostitution, escorts/homeworkers, clubs/brothels/private houses/massage salons and other. Results: In total, 7558 STI consultations of 2529 FSW in the period 2011–16 were included. Positivity rates for chlamydia and gonorrhoea were 6.6% and 2.0%, respectively. Infectious hepatitis B virus, syphilis and HIV were diagnosed in &lt;0.2% of consultations. Positivity rates of chlamydia and rectal gonorrhoea differed significantly by work location (P &lt; 0.001). Genital and rectal chlamydia and rectal gonorrhoea were significantly less likely among women working in window prostitution, except for the other-group. Risk factors for STI did not vary by work location. Among women working in window prostitution, positivity rates for oropharyngeal and genital chlamydia and genital gonorrhoea were significantly decreasing between 2011 and 2016 (P trend &lt;0.05). Conclusions: The higher STI positivity among escorts/homeworkers and FSW in clubs/brothels/private houses/massage salons emphasises the need for extra attention to improve condom use and STI testing in this group. Factors associated with STI did not vary by work location, thus interventions, including those used by P&amp;G292, to reduce STI risk, can be used for women at all work locations.

A cross-sectional study of reported symptoms for sexually transmissible infections among female sex workers in Papua New Guinea

Sexual Health ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eunice Bruce ◽  
Ludwina Bauai ◽  
Andrew Masta ◽  
Poyap J. Rooney ◽  
Michael Paniu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Lower Abdominal Pain ◽  
Dipstick Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Urine Dipstick ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Urine Dipstick Test

Background: Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are common in female sex workers (FSWs), most of which are asymptomatic and therefore under-reported. Our aim was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of reported symptoms obtained via questionnaire augmented with leukocyte esterase (LE) urine dipstick test for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), Neisseria gonorrhea (Ng) and Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: In November 2003, a cohort of FSWs was screened for STIs and completed a questionnaire. Results: We enrolled 129 FSWs (90% participation rate) of whom 48 (37%), 30 (23%) and 53 (41%) were diagnosed with Ng, Ct and Tv, respectively, by PCR. Of those diagnosed with any of these infections, 78% reported anogenital symptoms and of those without infections, 28% reported symptoms. Anogenital symptoms were present in over 50% FSWs. Genital odour (present in 26%), lower abdominal pain (present in 29%), dysuria (present in 19%) had a sensitivity around (50%), specificity (>80%) and all were significantly associated with positive PCR results for individual organisms; however, the sensitivity of these symptoms to detect the presence of any positive PCR result was low (<50%). When LE urine dipstick test result of >1 was combined with the presence of three reported symptoms the sensitivity was 86%, specificity of 73% and a positive predictive value of 72%; a better predictor of infections. Conclusions: Our finding suggest an approach that incorporates LE urine dipstick test >1 and multiple symptoms may be a feasible option for screening infections among FSWs in resource constraint settings.

Oro-anal sexual practice among female sex workers in Melbourne: implication for extragenital gonorrhoea and chlamydia transmission

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric P. F. Chow ◽  
Christopher K. Fairley
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sex Worker ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Male Clients ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections

Background The prevalence of sexually transmissible infections has been low among female sex workers (FSWs) in Melbourne, Australia. However, the prevalence of gonorrhoea and chlamydia, especially at extragenital sites, has increased since the mid-2010s. Oro-anal sex (i.e. rimming) has been identified as a risk factor for extragenital gonorrhoea and chlamydia. However, rimming has rarely been studied among the FSW population. The aim of this study was to examine the proportion of FSWs who had had rimming with their male clients. Methods: A cross-sectional survey among FSWs attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in Australia in March 2018 was conducted. All females aged ≥18 years and self-reported as a sex worker were eligible. The survey included questions related to the number of insertive and receptive rimming partners with their male clients in an average working week. Results: Forty-five FSWs completed the survey; five (11.1%; 95% CI: 3.7–24.1%) FSWs had had insertive rimming and 19 (42.2%; 95% CI: 27.7–57.8%) had had receptive rimming with their male clients in an average working week. The median number of insertive rimming partners was two (interquartile range (IQR) 1–5) and the median number of receptive rimming partners was one (IQR 1–3). Conclusion: Insertive rimming is more commonly practiced than receptive rimming among FSWs with their male clients in an average working week.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document