HIV prevalence varies between female sex workers from different types of venues in southern China.
We conducted a cross-sectional study on prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis among female sex workers (FSWs) recruited from different types of venues in 6 cities in China. Among 5322 FSWs (1379 were from high-tier venues, 2482 from middle-tier venues, and 1461 from low-tier venues, respectively), overall HIV prevalence was 0.54% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37%- 0.76%). By typology of venues where FSWs solicited clients, the prevalence was 1.37% (95% CI, 0.89%-2.11%) in low-tier venues, 0.28% (95% CI, 0.14%- 0.58%) in middle-tier venues, and 0.07% (95% CI, 0.01%-0.41%) in high-tier venues. The final logistic regression model showed an association of having had HIV infection with working in low-tier venues (adjusted odds ratio 2.73; 95% CI, 1.12-6.67) and coming from Guangxi Province (adjusted odds ratio, 7.89; 95% CI, 1.65-37.64). It can be concluded that FSWs working in low-tier venues (on the streets or public outdoor places) had higher risk of HIV infection than other venues. Such subgroup of FSWs should be efficiently covered by the current HIV/STD surveillance and intervention programs in China.
National Center for STD Control, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China. chenxs@ncstdlc.org
Xiang-Sheng
XS
Chen
Guo-Jun
GJ
Liang
Qian-Qiu
QQ
Wang
Yue-Ping
YP
Yin
Ning
N
Jiang
Yu-Jiao
YJ
Zhou
Li-Gang
LG
Yang
Qiao
Q
Liu
Hong-Chun
HC
Wang
Baoxi
B
Wang
D000328:Adult; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D055030:Drug Users / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D060386:Sex Workers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D047568:Unsafe Sex; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult