Prevalence and Assessment of Clinical Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Female Sex Workers in Two Cities of India

Abstract

Objective. Control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs) is an important strategy to reduce HIV transmission. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence and assess the current clinical management of STIs in India. Methods. FSWs attending three clinics for regular checkups or symptoms were screened for study eligibility. A behavioral questionnaire was administered, clinical examination performed, and laboratory samples collected. Results. 417 study participants reported a mean number of 4.9 (SD 3.5) commercial clients in the last week. 14.6% reported anal sex in the last three months. Consistent condom use with commercial and regular partners was 70.1% and 17.5%, respectively. The prevalence of gonorrhea was 14.1%, chlamydia 16.1%, and trichomoniasis 31.1% with a third of all infections being asymptomatic. Syphilis seropositivity was 10.1%. Conclusions. At study sites, presumptive treatment for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis screening should continue. Presumptive treatment for trichomoniasis should be considered. Consistent condom use and partner treatment need to be reemphasized.

A systematic review on the prevalence and utilization of health care services for reproductive tract infections/sexually transmitted infections: Evidence from India

“…We came across four studies on female sex workers with a sample size ranging from 124 to 1986 female sex workers. [42434445] These studies reported very high rate of STIs prevalence (around 40%) as compared to the other community-based studies. Three of these studies have used clinical and laboratory methods for confirmation of the diagnosis.…”

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Their Risk Factors among Female Sex Workers in Isfahan, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…[3][4][5] Previous studies estimated that the STI prevalence among FSWs ranges between 0.6% and 14.1% in various communities. 6 An international survey in 2010 found the HIV prevalence of 4.5% among FSWs. 7 A study on FSWs in Shiraz, Iran, reported the prevalence of 4.7%, 9%, 1.43%, and 9.7% for HIV, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV2), respectively.…”

Syphilis and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Sero-Prevalence Among Female Sex Workers and Men Who Have Sex with Men in Ecuador and Andhra Pradesh (India)

“…Contrary to what happens in Ecuador, there is a large number of published studies regarding sero-prevalence of STIs among the Indian population, revealing a wide range of prevalence (Das et al, 2011). Generally speaking, an important decrease in HIV prevalence in southern Indian states has been documented, where a series of strategies focusing on the prevention of new HIV infections have been put into practice .…”

“…Concerning the syphilis infection, studies carried out among FSW show a prevalence between a range of 6-10% (Das et al, 2011;Shethwala et al, 2009). Yet, other studies reveal higher rates, between 22-31% (Desai et al, 2003; Family Health International/Development Fund for International Development/Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, 2001;Pal et al, 2004;Wayal et al, 2011).…”