title: Impact evaluation of a sexually transmitted disease preventive intervention among female sex workers in Hohhot, China.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention interventions among female sex workers (FSWs) in the city of Hohhot in northern China.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three serial cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2006, 2007, and 2008 among FSWs. A questionnaire was administered to the FSWs, and HIV and syphilis tests were performed for all participants. Intervention activities including condom promotion and provision, increased condom availability and accessibility, and voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) were carried out among FSWs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 624 participants in the 2006 survey, 444 in the 2007 survey, and 451 in the 2008 survey. The United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) indicators for FSWs increased from 13.9% in 2006 to 37.7% in 2008 (p<0.001). The average rate of consistent condom use with commercial clients in the month preceding the interview increased significantly from 39.8% in 2006 to 59.6% in 2008 (p<0.001). Not a single HIV-positive case was found among the FSWs over these 3 years, and the prevalence of syphilis decreased remarkably from 9.5% in 2006 to 1.3% in 2008. Logistic regression analysis showed that sauna or hair salon work venues, receiving services from intervention programs, and accepting HIV tests were factors associated with consistent condom use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings suggest that consistent condom use and awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention-related knowledge among FSWs have been improved by the intervention. Further prioritized and combined prevention programs aimed at FSWs are needed in order to prevent the HIV/AIDS epidemic spreading in the general population in China.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
authors.forename: Yuhui
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.forename: Shuyi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Fubao
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bo
authors.forename: Xingguang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Wangnan
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.forename: Peiyang
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D002681:China; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D021841:Safe Sex; D060386:Sex Workers; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires