title: HIV and STI prevalence among female sex workers in Côte d'Ivoire: why targeted prevention programs should be continued and strengthened.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess condom use and prevalence of STIs and HIV among female sex workers (FSWs), as part of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan of a nationwide sex worker prevention project in Côte d'Ivoire.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross sectional surveys were conducted among FSWs attending five project clinics in Abidjan and San Pedro (2007), and in Yamoussoukro and Gagnoa (2009). A standardized questionnaire was administered in a face-to-face interview, which included questions on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour and condom use. After the interview, the participants were asked to provide samples for STI and HIV testing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 1110 FSWs participated in the surveys. There were large differences in socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics between FSW coming for the first time as compared to FSW coming on a routine visit. The prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae or C.trachomatis was 9.1%, 11.8% among first vs. 6.9% routine attendees (p = 0.004). The overall HIV prevalence was 26.6%, it was lower among first time attendees (17.5% as compared to 33.9% for routine attendees, p<0.001). The HIV prevalence among first attendees was also lower than the proportion of HIV positive tests from routine testing and counselling services in the same clinics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results show a relatively high STI and HIV prevalence among FSWs in different cities in Côte d'Ivoire. In the light of these results, prevention efforts should continue to focus on FSWs in the country.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. bvuylsteke@itg.be
authors.forename: Bea
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vuylsteke
authors.forename: Gisèle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Semdé
authors.forename: Lazare
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sika
authors.forename: Tania
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Crucitti
authors.forename: Virginie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ettiègne Traoré
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Buvé
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Laga
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods*; D007560:Cote d'Ivoire / Q000453:epidemiology; D003625:Data Collection; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D060386:Sex Workers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult