Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae and human papilloma virus among women-at risk in the Aegian region of Turkey, and their knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of selected sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the level of knowledge and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS among Turkish brothel based sex-workers (SWs).


METHODS
A pre-designed questionnaire was administered to 199 SWs to obtain their sexual behaviours and their level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS. The specimens collected for C trachomatis/N gonorrhoeae and human papillomavirus (HPV) were tested using Gen-Probe PACE 2 and HPV-screening assays, respectively.


RESULTS
Aproximately sixty-seven per cent of the SWs knew that condoms afforded protection against HIV/AIDS and 62% reported continued use of condoms. Although most of the SWs had heard about HIV/AIDS, thorough knowledge of transmission and prevention was lacking. The overall estimated rates for C trachomatis/N gonorrhoeae and HPV were 18.6% and 9.7%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need for further studies to generate more data on the prevalence of STDs and the knowledge of STDs in this population.
Gazi
H
H
Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Celal Bayar University Medicine Faculty, Manisa-Turkey. horugazi@hotmail.com
Surucuoglu
S
S
Yolasigmaz
G
G
Sen
M
M
Akcali
S
S
Dinc
G
G
Teker
A
A
Sanlidag
T
T
Koroğlu
G
G
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D005260:Female; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology