Survey Of Prevalence And Risk Factors For HIV/STDs Among Female Sex Workers In Xichang County, Sichuan Province

Objectives:(1) To investigate the incidence of initiation into commercial sex among female sex workers (FSWs) in Xichang county, Sichuan province; (2) To investigate the effectiveness of VCT on unprotected sex among FSWs; (3) To investigate the drug use practices among FSWs and to identify factors associated with their drug use; (4) To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), syphilis among FSWs.Methods:(1) From December, 2004 to January, 2005, a community-based survey was conducted to investigate demographic characteristics, drug use, sexual behaviors and condom use among FSWs. Blood samples were taken to test for HIV and syphilis. A total of 343 subjects were recruited for the study through community outreach and peer recruiting methods. (2) Statistical methods included descriptive statistics, Cox proportional hazard regression model, Chi-square tests, univariate and multivariate Logistic regression model. Odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals and statistical significance was defined as a p-values<0.05.Results:(1) The incidence from the first sex intercourse to initiation into commercial sex was 25.95/100 person year (95% CI: 23.20-28.69) among FSWs. Ethnicity, age at first sex intercourse (years) and marital history before commercial sex were independently associated with initiation into commercial sex, respectively. (2) Study participants having participated VCT had less unprotected sex with clients. (3) Among 343 FSWs, 9.3% (32) used drugs in the past 3 months. A Xichang residence, place of sex service, number of any new sex partner(s) in the past 6 months and smoking were independently...