Prevalence and correlates of HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections in female sex workers (FSWs) in Shanghai, China.
In 2009, we examined HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in 750 female sex workers (FSWs) in Shanghai using a cross-sectional survey. Participants (mean age 27 years) were interviewed and tested for HIV and selected STIs. Prevalence was: HIV 0·13%, chlamydia 14·7%, gonorrhoea 3·5% and syphilis 1·3%. In a demographic multivariate model, younger age, higher income and originating from provinces other than Zhejiang and Shanghai were independently associated with STI. In a social and sexual behavioural model, women working in small venues with fewer clients per week, use of drugs, and higher price charged per sex act indicated a greater risk for STI. Although HIV appears rare in Shanghai FSWs, chlamydial infection is common, especially in women aged <25 years (prevalence 19·6%). Since STI and HIV share similar risk factors, preventive intervention measures should be implemented immediately based on the venues and characteristics of FSWs to prevent future spread of HIV.
Dalla Lana School of Public Health,University of Toronto,Toronto,Canada.
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RS
Remis
Shanghai Centre for Disease Control and Prevention,Shanghai,People's Republic of China.
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L
Kang
Dalla Lana School of Public Health,University of Toronto,Toronto,Canada.
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L
Calzavara
Shanghai Centre for Disease Control and Prevention,Shanghai,People's Republic of China.
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Q
Pan
Dalla Lana School of Public Health,University of Toronto,Toronto,Canada.
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J
Liu
Dalla Lana School of Public Health,University of Toronto,Toronto,Canada.
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T
Myers
Shanghai Centre for Disease Control and Prevention,Shanghai,People's Republic of China.
J
J
Ren
Hongkou District Centres for Disease Control and Prevention,Shanghai,People's Republic of China.
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X
Tang
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D060386:Sex Workers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult