Risk factors for HIV and STI among female sex workers in a high HIV prevalent region of Ecuador

Abstract

Background: Globally, female sex workers (FSWs) constitute one of the most vulnerable populations for HIV/STI acquisition. However, very little is known about these infections and their risk factors among FSWs in Ecuador and Latin America. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge, risk behaviors and factors associated with the prevalence of HIV, syphilis and self-reported STI among FSWs in a high HIV prevalence province in Ecuador. Methods: Data from 270 FSWs in Ecuador recruited by snowball sampling were analyzed. Structured questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interviews and blood samples were obtained and tested for HIV and syphilis. Results: The prevalence were 0.7% for HIV infection, 3.3% for syphilis and 26.4% for other self-reported STIs. Age of onset of sex work, knowledge of HIV transmission and condom use were significant risk factors for HIV/syphilis co-infection. The factors associated with self-reported STI were the age of onset of sex work, knowledge of any STI, marital status, and sex with other person(s) other than clients. Conclusions: In a high HIV prevalent region of Ecuador, among FSWs the prevalence of HIV and syphilis was low but self-reported STIs was high, and this study identified several risk factors that provide scientific evidences for health policy decisions like the strength of health promotion and education programs for FSWs, especially the among the youngest.

Keywords

• female sex workers
• hiv
• syphilis
• its
• ecuador