Chlamydia prevalence and associated behaviours among female sex workers in Vanuatu: results from an integrated bio-behavioural survey, 2011.
There is insufficient data on sexually transmitted infections (STI) and related behaviours among key populations, including female sex workers (FSW), in the Pacific region. Using respondent driven sampling, we conducted an integrated bio-behavioural survey with FSW in Vanuatu (aged ≥18 years) to investigate risk behaviours associations with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). Weighted population estimates and correlates of CT infection were calculated. Among 149 FSW, prevalence of CT was 36 % (95 % CI 26-48 %). Few FSW reported consistent condom use with recent transactional sex partners (TSP) (8 %; 95 % CI 2-13 %). CT infection was positively associated with increasing number of TSP (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.1; 95 % CI 1.0-1.2) and group sex (AOR 2.9; 95 % CI 1.1-8.2). CT was negatively associated with increasing age of first sex (AOR 0.6; 95 % CI 0.5-0.9) and previous STI treatment (AOR 0.1; 95 % CI 0.0-0.4). A comprehensive public health strategy for prevention and treatment of STI among FSW, incorporating community empowerment strategies, FSW-targeted health services and periodic presumptive treatment, is urgently needed in Vanuatu.
Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, GPO Box 2284, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia, carolinevg@burnet.edu.au.
Caroline
C
van Gemert
Mark
M
Stoove
Tamara
T
Kwarteng
Siula
S
Bulu
Isabel
I
Bergeri
Ian
I
Wanyeki
Steve
S
Badman
Jayline
J
Malverus
Alyce
A
Vella
Len
L
Tarivonda
Lisa Grazina
LG
Johnston
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D040343:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D060386:Sex Workers / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009514:Vanuatu / Q000453:epidemiology