[Prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases and the use of the condom among sex workers].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and the use of condoms by sex workers, assisted in a health module.


METHODS
A cross sectional study, was performed with prostitutes in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz through a self-administered questionnaire in a period from January 3 to February 9, 2001. The questionnaire evaluated gynecology-obstetric background, STD and the use of condoms. Clinical records and laboratory tests were evaluated for STD screening.


RESULTS
A total number of 196 sex workers from 71 work places were evaluated. The average age was 29.5 +/- 3.3 years. One hundred and eleven (57%) reported being single. 189 (96.4%) presented at least a case of vaginosis during the year 2000 and 148 (75.5%) were diagnosed having vulvovaginitis due to fungus. Syphilis was identified in 4 (2%) cases and (0.5%) acquired immune deficiency syndrome. 45 (23%) reported they always use a condom and 113 (58%) use condoms very often.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a high prevalence of vulva and vagina disorders, as well as syphilis. High rates of sex workers use condoms.
Jiménez Díaz
L
L
Facultad de Medicina, Campus Minatitlán, Universidad Veracruzana.
Gorra
M L
ML
Sosa
T R
TR
Velásquez Luna
M
M
Gálvez Valdivieso
M
M
Rodríguez Guzmán
L M
LM
D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D011477:Sex Work; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control