Rapid assessment of HIV risk behavior in drug using sex workers in three cities in South Africa.
A rapid assessment was undertaken with drug using commercial sex workers (CSWs) to investigate practices putting them at risk for contracting HIV. It included key informant (KI) (N = 67) and focus group (N = 10) interviews in locations with a high prevalence of drug use in Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria, South Africa. HIV testing of KIs was conducted. Cocaine, Ecstasy, heroin and methaqualone are used by CSWs prior to, during and after sex. Drugs enhance the sexual experience and prolong sex sessions. Interviews revealed inconsistent condom use among CSWs together with other risky sexual practices such as needle sharing. Among CSWs who agreed to HIV testing, 34% tested positive. Barriers to accessing drug treatment and HIV treatment and preventive services were identified. Interventions recognizing the role of drug abuse in HIV transmission should be prioritized, and issues of access to services, stigma and power relations must be considered.
Parry
Charles D H
CD
Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa, cparry@mrc.ac.za
Dewing
Sarah
S
Petersen
Petal
P
Carney
Tara
T
Needle
Richard
R
Kroeger
Karen
K
Treger
Latasha
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D055030:Drug Users / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D047568:Unsafe Sex; D055815:Young Adult