Sexually transmitted infection service use and risk factors for HIV infection among female sex workers in Georgetown, Guyana.
OBJECTIVE
To identify risk factors for HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) service use patterns among female sex workers in Georgetown, Guyana.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 299 female commercial sex workers.


METHODS
HIV prevalence was assessed using an oral fluid test, and sociodemographic and behavioral data by interview administered by sex workers and women's group members.


RESULTS
HIV prevalence was 30.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 24.9-36.3]. Multivariate logistic regression found a significant association between HIV infection and having a vaginal ulcer in the last 12 months [odds ratio (OR) 4.0, CI 1.4-12.0]. Having had a vaginal ulcer was associated with use of cocaine. Multivariate logistic regression on STI service use variables found significant associations between HIV infection and getting condoms from public sector STI services (OR 3.1, CI 1.6-5.8), not going back for HIV test results (OR 3.4, CI 1.1-10.1), and last getting tested for HIV more than 6 months ago (OR 2.8, CI 1.3-6.2).


CONCLUSIONS
An active program of screening and treatment of ulcerative STIs should be combined with substance abuse services for sex workers (SW). Condom promotion services are reaching SW at high risk, but HIV stigma may prevent SW at high risk from accessing HIV test results.
Allen
Caroline F
CF
MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK. caroline@msoc.mrc.gla.ac.uk
Edwards
Morris
M
Williamson
Lisa M
LM
Kitson-Piggott
Wendy
W
Wagner
Hans-Ulrich
HU
Camara
Bilali
B
Hospedales
C James
CJ
D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006172:Guyana / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000635:transmission*