Baseline survey of sexually transmitted infections in a cohort of female bar workers in Mbeya Region, Tanzania.
OBJECTIVE
To determine baseline prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and other reproductive tract infections (RTI) and their association with HIV as well as sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics in a newly recruited cohort of female bar workers in Mbeya Region, Tanzania.


METHODS
600 female bar workers were recruited from 17 different communities during September to November 2000 and underwent gynaecological examination, laboratory testing for HIV/STI, and interviews using structured questionnaires.


RESULTS
HIV-1 seroprevalence was 68%. Prevalences of STI/RTI were high titre syphilis (TPPA/RPR >/=1/8), 9%; herpes simplex virus 2 antibodies, 87%; chlamydia, 12%; gonorrhoea, 22%; trichomoniasis, 24%; and bacterial vaginosis, 40%. HIV infection was associated with TPPA and HSV-2 seropositivity, bacterial vaginosis and clinically diagnosed genital ulcers, blisters, and warts. Reported high risk sexual behaviour during the past year (having multiple casual partners) was associated with prevalent STI.


CONCLUSIONS
Female bar workers in Mbeya are at high risk of STI and HIV infection. Targeted STI/HIV prevention interventions for these women and their sexual partners need to be reinforced. Methods should be sought to improve healthcare seeking and to provide easily accessible and affordable STI care services.
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK. reidner@lshtm.ac.uk
G
G
Riedner
M
M
Rusizoka
O
O
Hoffmann
F
F
Nichombe
E
E
Lyamuya
D
D
Mmbando
L
L
Maboko
P
P
Hay
J
J
Todd
R
R
Hayes
M
M
Hoelscher
H
H
Grosskurth
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D021841:Safe Sex; D011477:Sex Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology