title: Sexually transmitted disease symptom management behaviours among female sex workers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
abstract: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess prevalence and correlates of self-treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among female sex workers (FSW) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Enrolled FSW completed a self-administered questionnaire, HIV serologic testing and optional pelvic examination. STD diagnosis was based on physical examination and/or microscopic findings. Of 448 women, 337 (75.0%) accepted examination; of these, 316 (93.8%) received at least one STD-related diagnosis. Nearly half (45.4%) reported prior STD self-treatment, which was associated with HIV infection (age-adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.45-7.53) and condom knowledge (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.16-3.80). For those with history of STD, immediate resumption of sex work before completing treatment was common (87.0%). STD self-treatment is common among FSW in Tashkent, particularly women with HIV infection. Confidential venues for STD care and condom utilization programmes targeted to FSW and their clients are needed to prevent STD in this setting.
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Health, Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Alibayeva
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Todd
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Khakimov
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Giyasova
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Botros
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Carr
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Bautista
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Sanchez
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Earhart
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D012651:Self Medication / Q000379:methods*; D011477:Sex Work; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D014610:Uzbekistan / Q000453:epidemiology