title: Prevalence and risk factors of syphilis infection among female sex workers in Shenzhen, China: an observational study (2009-2012).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate prevalence and risk factors of syphilis infection among female sex workers (FSWs) in Shenzhen, China.
  
  
  METHODS
  Observational study among (2009-2012) 1653 FSWs recruited by venue-based sampling using questionnaire-based interviews for socio-demographics, behaviours and syphilis testing results. Logistic regression was used to assess risk factors of syphilis infection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall syphilis prevalence was 4.7%, showing a slightly decreasing trend. Factors significantly associated with syphilis infection were inconsistent condom use (OR = 1.87, P = 0.015), illicit drug use (OR = 5.45, P < 0.001) and older age in years (OR = 1.08, P < 0.001). Venues where FSWs were recruited and duration of commercial sex work were not significantly associated with syphilis infection (P > 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Syphilis is still common among FSWs in Shenzhen, China. Current comprehensive prevention programmes (e.g. condom promotion and peer education) should be continued to maintain and increase safe sexual practices and to reduce illicit drug use among FSWs. Expanding point-of-care syphilis screening programmes may be an important strategy for early diagnosis. We recommend timely and effective treatment programmes to be linked to such screening programmes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cai
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Richardus
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: de Vlas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D060386:Sex Workers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: China; sex workers; syphilis