Syphilis infection among female sex workers in Colombia.
OBJECTIVE
To study the epidemiology of Treponema pallidum (syphilis) among female sex workers (FSW) in Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire, which collected socio-demographic characteristics and risk behavior information. Blood samples were screened for syphilis using the VDRL test and the MHATP assay.


RESULTS
The prevalence of syphilis was 10.3% (53/514). Adjusted risk factors significantly associated with syphilis were: age (linear increase), education (primary or no education), monthly income (<USD 180), time in sex work (>or=4 years), number of clients per week (>or=22), main workplace (street), inconsistent (never) condom use in sex work, previous STI history, and use of illegal drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
Effective health education programs for improving the level of knowledge of STI and the promotion of consistent condom use activities along with other appropriate harm reduction activities are urgently required among FSW in Colombia.
Mejia
Alfredo
A
Instituto Nacional de Salud, Santa Fe de Bogota, Colombia.
Bautista
Christian T
CT
Leal
Luis
L
Ayala
Claudia
C
Prieto
Franklyn
F
de la Hoz
Fernando
F
Alzate
Martha L
ML
Acosta
Jacqueline
J
Sanchez
Jose L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003105:Colombia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult