[Risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases among sex workers in the interior of Piaui, Brazil].
OBJECTIVE
To identify the risk factors for STD among female sex workers and the characteristics of this population, and to verify the association between condom use by their male partners and clients.


METHODS
Cross-sectional and correlational study conducted with 73 sex workers registered at the Sex Workers´ Association of the municipality of Picos -PI, Brazil. Data were collected in September and October 2010 using a questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic information and the participants´ background in the sex industry. Ethical aspects were observed.


RESULTS
There was no significant association between most of the sociodemographic variables and background in the sex industry and condom use by male partners or clients. However, there was a significant association with years in the sex industry (p = 0.029). Sex workers who had been in the industry for the longest used condoms for protection against sexually transmitted diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
It is essential to create health promotion strategies that observe the real-life experiences of sex workers.
Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
Jardeliny Corrêa da
JC
Penha
UFC, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
Caroline Batista de Queiroz
CB
Aquino
Faculdades Integradas de Jacarepaguá, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
Érica de Alencar Rodrigues
Éde A
Neri
Unidades Integradas de Pós-Graduação Pesquisa e Extensão, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
Thaís Gomes Oliveira Dos
TG
Reis
UFC, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
Priscila de Souza
Pde S
Aquino
UFC, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
Ana Karina Bezerra
AK
Pinheiro
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D060386:Sex Workers; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D047568:Unsafe Sex; D055815:Young Adult