title: Size estimation, HIV prevalence and risk behaviours of female sex workers in Pakistan.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide size estimation and to determine risky behaviours and HIV prevalence among female sex workers in Pakistan, which has progressed from a low to concentrated level of HIV epidemic.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study (geographic mapping and integrated behavioural and biological survey-IBBS) was conducted between August 2005 to January 2006 in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur. A detailed questionnaire and dry blood spot (DBS) specimen for HIV testing were collected by trained interviewers after informed consent. The study was ethically approved by review boards in Canada and Pakistan.
  
  
  RESULTS
  About 14,900 female sex workers were estimated to be functional in Sindh. A total of 1158 of them were interviewed for the study. Average age of sex workers was 27.4 +/- 6.7 years, and the majority 787 (67.9%) were married, and uneducated 764 (65.9%). Sindhi (26.4%) was the predominant ethnicity. Mean number of paid clients was 2.1 +/- 1.2. three workers were confirmed HIV positive (0.75%, 95 percent CI 0.2-2.2%) from Karachi. Condom use at last sexual act was highest (68%) among brothel-based workers from Karachi, and the lowest in Sukkur where only 1.3% street-based workers reported using a condom at last sexual act. Overall use of illicit drugs through injections was negligible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HIV prevalence among female sex workers in Sindh, Pakistan is low but risky behaviours are present. Well organised service delivery programmes can help promoting safer practices.
authors: Canada-Pakistan HIV/AIDS Surveillance Project of Canadian International Development Agency, Sindh & National AIDS Control Programme, Karachi & Islamabad. arshad.altaf@gmail.com
authors: Arshad
authors: A
authors: Altaf
authors: Ajmal
authors: A
authors: Agha
authors: Merydth
authors: M
authors: Holte-McKinzie
authors: Qamar
authors: Q
authors: Abbas
authors: Salma Batool
authors: SB
authors: Jafri
authors: Faran
authors: F
authors: Emmanuel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D060386:Sex Workers; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires