[Social characteristics, risk behaviours and differences in the prevalence of HIV/sexually transmitted infections between Spanish and immigrant female sex workers in Catalonia, Spain].
OBJECTIVE
To describe and compare the social characteristics, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoae prevalences, and risk behaviours among immigrant female sex workers (FSW) according to their geographical area of origin.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study in an opportunistic sample of FSW in Catalonia in 2005 using an anonymous questionnaire. Oral fluid and urine samples were collected to determine the prevalence of HIV and C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae, respectively.


RESULTS
Four hundred women participated in the study; 10.8% from Spain, 32.5% from Eastern Europe, 30.7% from Latin America, and 26% from Africa. The majority of them (95.5%) always used condoms during vaginal intercourse with clients, but only 12.4% with steady partners. Overall HIV, C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae prevalences were 1.8%, 5.5% and 0.6%, respectively. Spanish women injected drugs more frequently (9.3%), and used condoms less commonly (85.7% used condoms consistently) (p < 0.05). We observed differences in HIV prevalence only (9.3% among Spanish FSW; p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
To insist on consistent condom use with clients and steady partners has to become a prevention strategy. Spanish FSW need special attention because they reported less use of condoms and highest HIV prevalences.
Folch
Cinta
C
Centre d'Estudis Epidemiològics sobre ITS/Sida de Catalunya (CEEISCAT), Institut Català d'Oncologia/Departament de Salut, Badalona, Barcelona, España. cft.ceescat.germanstrias@gencat.cat
Sanclemente
Cristina
C
Esteve
Anna
A
Martró
Elisa
E
Molinos
Sonia
S
Casabona
Jordi
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D014171:Transients and Migrants; D055815:Young Adult