PLoS ONE (Jan 2022)

Engagement in HIV services over time among young women who sell sex in Zimbabwe.

  • Sue Napierala,
  • Sungai T Chabata,
  • Calum Davey,
  • Elizabeth Fearon,
  • Joanna Busza,
  • Phillis Mushati,
  • Owen Mugurungi,
  • Karin Hatzold,
  • Valentina Cambiano,
  • Andrew Phillips,
  • James R Hargreaves,
  • Frances M Cowan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270298
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 6
p. e0270298

Abstract

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IntroductionYoung female sex workers (FSW) are disproportionately vulnerable to HIV. Zimbabwe data show higher HIV incidence and lower engagement in services compared to older FSW. Utilizing data from a combination HIV prevention and treatment intervention, we describe engagement in the HIV services over time among FSW 18-24 years, compared to those ≥25 years of age.Materials and methodsData were collected via respondent-driven sampling (RDS) surveys in 14 communities in 2013 and 2016, with >2500 FSW per survey. They included blood samples for HIV and viral load testing. As the intervention had no significant impact on HIV care cascade outcomes, data were aggregated across study arms. Analyses used RDS-II estimation.ResultsMean age in 2013 and 2016 was 31 and 33 years, with 27% and 17% aged 18-24 years. Overall HIV prevalence was 59% at each timepoint, and 35% and 36% among younger FSW. From 2013 to 2016 there was an increase in young HIV-positive FSW knowing their status (38% vs 60%, OR = 2.51, pDiscussionYoung FSW had improvements in care cascade outcomes, and proportionate improvements similar to older FSW, yet they remain less engaged in services overall. This implies that the dedicated FSW services in Zimbabwe are having a comparably positive impact across age groups, however more is likely required to address young FSW's unique vulnerabilities and needs.