HIV-related behavioral risk factors among older female sex workers in Guangxi, China.
Previous literature suggests a high rate of HIV infections among older female sex workers (FSWs) in China. However, limited data are available regarding HIV- related behavioral risk factors among this population. In the current study, we aim to examine the demographic and behavioral factors that place older FSWs at a high risk of HIV infection. We conducted secondary analysis of the 2010 National Sentinel Surveillance (NSS) data from Guangxi, China. A self-administered, standard behavioral surveillance survey was completed by a total of 12,622 FSWs in Guangxi, China. The Guangxi 2010 NSS sample included 19.4% FSWs aged 35 years or older ("older FSWs"). The overall HIV prevalence was 1.0% for the entire sample with 2.0% among older FSWs and 0.8% among younger ones. Older age was an independent predictor of unprotected sex, injection drug use, and a self-reported history of syphilis infection. Future HIV prevention interventions targeting FSWs should consider older FSWs' vulnerable status. Efforts are needed to address their financial needs and invest in skills for socio-economic empowerment.
a Department of STD/HIV Prevention , Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Guangxi CDC, Nanning , China.
Zhiyong
Z
Shen
Chen
C
Zhang
Xiaoming
X
Li
Shaobing
S
Su
Yan
Y
Cui
Yuejiao
Y
Zhou
Zhenzhu
Z
Tang
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report; D018571:Sentinel Surveillance; D011477:Sex Work; D060386:Sex Workers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
China; HIV risk; National Sentinel Surveillance; STD; condom use; older FSWs