Prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmissible infections in relation to lemon or lime juice douching among female sex workers in Jos, Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
The rates of sexually transmissible infections (STI), including HIV, are high among female sex workers (FSW) in Nigeria and the use of various local vaginal cleansing agents to prevent infection is a common practice. The present study was aimed at determining whether any association exists between current lime or lemon douching and the prevalence of STI and HIV infections among FSW in Jos, Nigeria.


METHODS
Consenting FSW who were users of lemon or lime (UL) or non-users (NUL) were recruited for the study between May and September 2006. A structured questionnaire was administered by trained counsellors. Pre-HIV test counselling was done. Participant's blood samples were tested for HIV and syphilis. Genital examination was done and high vaginal and endocervical samples were collected. The samples obtained were processed for STI using standard laboratory procedures. FSW found with treatable STI received free drugs. HIV results were disclosed after post-test counselling and positive FSW were referred to a HIV/AIDS facility for care, support and antiretroviral therapy.


RESULTS
A total of 398 FSW (86 UL and 312 NUL) participated in the study. Their mean age was 27.6+/-7.0 years (range 16-63 years). HIV prevalence was high for both UL and NUL: 48.8 and 48.2%, respectively (odds ratio 1.0; 95% confidence interval 0.6-1.2, P=0.9427). The rates of bacterial vaginosis were not significantly higher in UL (UL 55.8%, NUL 44.0%, odds ratio 1.59, 95% confidence interval 0.96-2.65, P=0.06). There were no associations between the use of citrus douching and other STI.


CONCLUSIONS
There were no significant associations between the prevalence of STI and HIV and lime or lemon juice usage.
Imade
Godwin
G
Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. ereimade@yahoo.co.uk
Sagay
Atiene
A
Egah
Daniel
D
Onwuliri
Viola
V
Grigg
Matthew
M
Egbodo
Christopher
C
Thacher
Tom
T
Potts
Malcolm
M
Short
Roger
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002957:Citrus; D032082:Citrus aurantiifolia; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044364:Vaginal Douching / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016387:Women's Health
D028321:Plant Preparations