title: Knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and condom use among female street sex workers in Padua.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to investigate knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and condom use in a population of young female street sex workers from eastern Europe and other non-EU countries based in the Padua area (north-eastern Italy). To assess whether any aspects of their behavior might foster the spread of STDs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Street sex workers (prostitutes) were approached on the streets or during non-STD medical appointments, their knowledge of STDs and condom use were evaluated. They were asked to answer an anonymous questionnaire comprising 16 questions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  98 of them cooperated. Over one third of the sample frequently did not use a condom. This finding was inversely correlated with their age and educational level. Almost all the street sex workers were aware of AIDS but far less of other STDs. Most were almost totally unacquainted with some of them. We found a statistically significant correlation between condom use and their age, and between condom use and educational level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sex workers often engaged in unprotected intercourse with clients, they practiced their profession even in the presence of STD-related symptoms and did not use a condom during intercourse with non-paying partners or pimps. The irresponsible behavior of some Italian paying partners prepared to pay extra for unprotected sex, increases the risk of acquiring STDs. The intercourse with female street sex workers can be considered a risk behavior for contracting STDs.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Immunodermatology Local Health Center n 16, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. cleto.vellerfornasa@ulss16.padova.it
authors.forename: Cleto Veller
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Fornasa
authors.forename: Fabiana
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gai
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tarantello
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gallina
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D011477:Sex Work; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*