Health risk profile of prostitutes in Dublin.
This study examined the health risk profile of prostitutes in Dublin. Clinical records of all 150 new prostitutes who attended a drop-in clinic for prostitutes in Dublin city during the period 1991-1997 were reviewed. Variables examined included: age, use of injectable drugs, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, hepatitis B and C status, presence of sexually transmitted disease (STD), cervical cytology. Results showed the mean age of the women was 32 years. Among those tested, 2.5% were HIV positive, 5% were hepatitis B positive, 8% were hepatitis C positive and 25% had an STD. Almost 8% were injecting drug users (IDU) with higher prevalences of HIV, hepatitis B and C compared with non-IDU (P < 0.001). The clinic has been successful in providing a health-care facility for the specific health needs of this patient cohort.
Health Information Unit, Eastern Health Board, Dr Steeven's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
R J
RJ
McDonnell
P M
PM
McDonnell
M
M
O'Neill
F
F
Mulcahy
D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections; D006509:Hepatitis B; D006526:Hepatitis C; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases; D012907:Smoking