Sexual practices, drug use behaviors, and prevalence of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and HTLV-1/2 in immigrant and non-immigrant female sex workers in Argentina.
OBJECTIVE
To study socio-demographics, sexual practices, drug use behaviors, and prevalences of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 in immigrant (foreigner) and non-immigrant (local/native) female sex workers (FSW).


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study in immigrant and non-immigrant FSW living in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Participants were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire.


RESULTS
A total of 625 FSW were enrolled, of whom 169 (27%) were immigrant FSW from Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay. The prevalence of syphilis and hepatitis C was significantly higher among Argentinean FSW than among immigrant FSW. However, hepatitis B prevalence was higher among immigrant FSW. Adjusted risk factor analysis comparing immigrant FSW with Argentinean FSW indicated that marital status (single), occupation (none), fee per sex act (<or=USD7), workplace (bar and cabaret), and anal sex with clients were significantly associated with immigrant FSW status.


CONCLUSIONS
Effective HIV/STI prevention and medical care programs need to be tailored to the specific needs of both FSW groups in Argentina.
Bautista
Christian T
CT
US Military HIV Research Program at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1 Taft Court, Suite 250, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. cbautista@hivresearch.org
Pando
Maria A
MA
Reynaga
Elena
E
Marone
Ruben
R
Sateren
Warren B
WB
Montano
Silvia M
SM
Sanchez
Jose L
JL
Avila
Maria M
MM
D000293:Adolescent; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D011477:Sex Work; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult