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.

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.

Effects of periodic presumptive treatment on three bacterial sexually transmissible infections and HIV among female sex workers in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Sexual Health ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eunice Bruce ◽  
Ludwina Bauai ◽  
Andrew Masta ◽  
Poyap J. Rooney ◽  
Michael Paniu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Presumptive Treatment ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
Port Moresby

Background Sexually transmissible infections (STI) are common in female sex workers (FSW). Aim: To determine if 3-monthly periodic presumptive treatments (PPT) would reduce the prevalence of STI in FSW. Methods: In a cohort study conducted between November 2003 and September 2004, FSW were enrolled, counselled and interviewed. Informed consent was obtained. Testing by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) and Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv), and serology for HIV were performed at baseline and final follow-up visits. Each FSW received 3-monthly oral amoxicillin, probenecid, a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, and azithromycin. Tinidazole was administered once. Results: The cohort consisted of 129 FSW at baseline and 71 at final follow-up visit. Of these 71 FSW, there was a significant decline in the proportion with positive PCR results for Ct from 38% to 16% (P = 0.001), Ng from 56% to 23% (P = <0.001) and Tv from 62% to 30% (P = <0.001) between baseline and the final follow-up visit. HIV prevalence increased from 15% to 21% (P = 0.125). Conclusions: PPT was statistically effective in reducing STI but rates rebounded rapidly. Several new HIV infections occurred. If PPT is to be very effective in FSW where the prevalence of STI is so high, then 100% condom use with clients and regular sexual partners (RSP), and high rates of notification of RSP would be required if low incidence and prevalence of STI were to be achievable.

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.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Association between Vaginal Infections and High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Types in Female Sex Workers in Spain

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Rodriguez-Cerdeira ◽  
E. Sanchez-Blanco ◽  
A. Alba
Keyword(s):  
Human Papillomavirus ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Vaginal Microbiota ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Associated Lesions

Background. Infection with and persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) are the strongest risk factors for cervical cancer. In addition, other genital microorganisms may also be involved in the progression of HPV-associated lesions. Objetive. To evaluate the association of the vaginal microbiota (Candida spp., Trichomonas vaginalis, and bacterial vaginosis) with HR-HPV infection in Spanish female sex workers (FSWs). Methods. This cross-sectional study involved 208 (FSWs; age, 18–49 years) who visited a sexually transmitted infection (STI) information and prevention center (SERGAS) between January 2010 and December 2011. Face-to-face interviews were carried out. Cervical and vaginal samples were examined for human papillomavirus (HPV), Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida spp., and microorganisms related to bacterial vaginosis (BV). Results. HR-HPV was found to be significantly associated with BV in FSWs with positive results for HPV16-related types (31, 33, 35, and 52). T. vaginalis was isolated in FSWs with the following HR-HPVs: 18, 45, 66, and 68. Candida spp. were isolated only in FSWs with HPV 18-positive infection. Conclusion. We demonstrate a significant prevalence of HR-HPVs in FSWs with disturbances in the vaginal microbiota.

scholarly journals Perilaku Pekerja Seks Komersial Dalam Penggunaan Kondom Untuk Pencegahan Transmisi HIV/AIDS Di Lokalisasi Teleju Kota Pekanbaru

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-31
Author(s):  
Marlina Marlina ◽  
Suyanto Suyanto ◽  
Noorsai Masadi
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Utilization Rate ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Client Resistance ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
National Control ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstrak Prevalensi HIV AIDS di Pekanbaru meningkat dengan pesat di tahun belakangan ini, meskipun sudah dilakukan kampanye nasional mengenai pemanfaatan kondom pada kelompok risiko tinggi terutama pada pekerja seks wanita dan kliennya. Penelitian ini meneliti faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi perilaku dari perempuan pekerja seks dalam pemanfaatan kondom dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Data dikumpulkan dengan wawancara mendalam dan diskusi kelompok terfokus kemudian dianalisis dengan menggunakan matriks konten. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Lokalisasi Prostitusi di Pekanbaru pada Maret 2010. Hanya 16,6% dari 30 responden menggunakan kondom secara konsisten, pada umumnya sering berubah pikiran ketika klien memberikan uang lebih banyak untuk tidak menggunakan kondom. 80% responden tidak memahami dengan baik tentang pencegahan HIV dan pentingnya menggunakan kondom secara konsisten selama aktivitas seksual. Menariknya, pasokan kondom secara teratur diberikan oleh bos mereka. Tingkat pemanfaatan kondom rendah karena adanya penolakan klien, ketidakseimbangan gender dan tawaran uang. Kemungkinan faktor dasar adalah rendahnya pengetahuan pekerja seks tentang HIV. Intervensi yang komprehensif sangat penting untuk mengatasi hambatan perilaku tersebut. Kata Kunci : Perilaku, Pekerja Seks, Pencegahan HIV/AIDS, PekanbaruAbstractThe Prevalence of HIV AIDS in Pekanbaru is growing rapidly in recent year, even though there are some national control actions by mass campaign of condom utilization among high risk group particularly in Female Sex workers and her clients. This study investigated the factors influencing of Female Sex workers behavior in the condom utilization by using qualitative approach. Data collected with in-depth interview and Focus group discussion then analyzed by content matrix. This study was held at Prostitute Localization in Pekanbaru on March 2010. Only 16.6% of 30 respondents used condom consistently, others commonly changed her mind when client gave more money for not using condom. 80% of respondent did not understand well about HIV prevention and importance of using condom consistently during sexual activity. Interestingly, condom supply regularly provided by their boss. the condom utilization rate were low due to client resistance, imbalance gender and financial bargaining as well. Poor sex worker's knowledge about HIV perhaps the basic factor. Comprehensive interventions are crucial for addressing these behavior barriers.

scholarly journals Gambaran Hasil Pemeriksaan Sitologi Serviks Wanita Pekerja Seksual Tidak Langsung pada Hotspot Maredan Kecamatan Tenayan Raya Pekanbaru

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Wiwit Ade ◽  
Sindy Oktaviani ◽  
Amru Sofian
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Cervical Smear ◽  
Smear Examination ◽  
The World ◽  
Intraepithelial Lesion

Cervical cancer is a malignancy of the cervix that can be prevented, but the cause of death of women due to cancer.Cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer in women in the world. Indirect female sex workers have a higherrisk of cervical cancer. The aim of this research was to figure out description of cervical smear examination in indirectfemale sex workers at hotspot Maredan Tenayan Raya Pekanbaru. Population of this experiment were all indirectfemale sex workers at hotspot Maredan Tenayan Raya Pekanbaru and samples were taken with total sampling method.The result showed that there were 44 people consist 4% diagnosed with HSIL, 25% were diagnosed with LSIL, 30%diagnosed with ASCUS and 41% with negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (Bacterial vaginosis,Trichomonas vaginalis, Candidiasis presents).

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.

Prevalence and correlates of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among female sex workers in a city in Yunnan Province, China

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 469-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Luo ◽  
Kathleen H Reilly ◽  
Jun-Jie Xu ◽  
Gui-Xiang Wang ◽  
Guo-Wei Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Yunnan Province ◽  
Female Sex
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