HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in women with illegal social behavior in Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Little is known about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among females who engage in illegal sexual behavior in Iran .So, this study was conducted to obtain knowledge about the prevalence and associated risk factors in this population. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 100 women who had exchange of sex for money in previous 3 months according to self report were recruited during 2009-2010 by simple non probable sampling method in Isfahan, Iran. HIV-Ab, Chlamydia trachomatis -IgG and syphilis infection were measured. A questionnaire on demographics and prostitution-associated risk data was collected as well. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression models were used for data analysis. Results: Of 100 participants, the samples of 91 ones could be tested for STI markers (nine samples were hemolysis or insufficient). The overall prevalence of C. trachomatis was 19.8%. There was no case with syphilis or HIV infection. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that participants who reported temporarily marriage were less likely to be infected with C. trachomatis (AOR=0.003, 95%CI=0.001-0.58). The other risk factors for the tested STIs were not statistically significant in multiple logistic regressions. Conclusion: The results of our study indicated that seroprevalence and associated risk factors of HIV and other STIs among female with illegal social behaviors is not considerable in Isfahan, Iran.

Keywords

• Chlamydia
• HIV
• illegal social behaviors
• syphilis
• women