P1-S2.12 Improving access to STI care among female sex workers by strengthening service provider networks in Bangalore, South India

Abstract

heterosexual populations are not well understood. Objective was to describe female clients and partners of MSM sex workers (MSM-SW) in Lagos and to determine risk factors for unprotected sex between women and MSM-SW. Methods MSM were recruited through respondent driven sampling, a novel methodology designed to access hidden populations. MSM-SW were identified through self-reporting and consent was obtained. Participants completed a pre-tested questionnaire and a behaviour diary. The questionnaire included questions on details of each sexual partner for 4 weeks; each sexual encounter with each partner; and the three most recent partnerships. Data were summarised as proportions and compared using chi square test. Results 62 MSM-SW participated in the study and concluded the selfreported questionnaire and behaviour diary. MSM-SW recorded 311 partners, out of which 66(21.2%) were female and aged between 16 and 38 years. Thirty-two (10.3%) were recent female partners. Of the recent female partners, 17 (53.1%) were unmarried, 14 (43.8%) married and one was a spouse of MSM-SW. 60 (90.1%) of female partners of MSM-SW paid or were paid for sex (39/60,65% paid MSM-SW while 21/60, 35% were paid by them). There were 52 single episode sexual contacts and 14 regular partnerships. Of the 50 new transactional contacts, more than half (56%) met in the bars, restaurants, clubs, motels and beaches. All the sexual encounters between MSM-SW and their female partners involved penetrative sexdvaginal sex (VS)(53, 80%); anal sex (AS)(39, 59%); and both (31, 47%). Unprotected sex was significantly more frequently associated with sex with regular partner than with single episode sexual contact (79% vs 52%; p¼0.02, OR¼3.0) and non-transactional sex than sex paid for by the female partners (71% vs 46%; p¼0.029,OR¼2.8).Conclusion MSM-SW in Nigeria have a lot of female clients and partners and frequently engage in transactional and unprotected sex with them. Majority of these female partners are in heterosexual married relationships. Understanding these interactions between MSM and heterosexual populations is very crucial to any HIV intervention targeted on MSM and by extension the general population. Background Little is known about the epidemiology and burden of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in male commercial sex workers who have sex with men (MSM-CSWs) in the Netherlands and other Western countries. MSM-CSWs are often hard to reach for prevention and STI testing. This feasibility study aimed to reach MSM-CSWs, assess their socio-demographics and prevalence of HIV and other STI, and their risk profile. Methods Retrospective, cross sectional study. Demographic and STI diagnosis data were retrieved from standardised medical records of MSM-CSWs consulted during outreach activities by a public health service in Southern Limburg, The Netherlands (2009 and 2010). Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) were diagnosed by NAAT and serology was performed for HIV (HIV-Ag/ Ab), syphilis (TPPA, FTA-ABS, VDRL) and hepatitis B...