Seroprevalence and Associated Factors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Treponema pallidum, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus among Female Sex Workers in Dessie City, Northeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are prevalent in Ethiopia and elsewhere among different population groups particularly among female sex workers (FSWs). Because of their work and their behavior, FSWs are at high risk to acquire STIs. The aim of the study was to assess the seroprevalence and associated factors of HIV, HBV, HCV, and T. pallidum among FSWs in Dessie City, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Dessie City, Amhara Region, Northeastern Ethiopia, from November 2017 to April 2018. A total of 360 FSWs whose age is greater than or equal to 18 years and who are willing to participate were recruited by simple random sampling technique. Interview-based questionnaire was administered, and 5 ml of venous blood from each participant was drawn under aseptic conditions. The rapid test was performed to obtain the result of the four STIs (HIV, T. pallidum, HBV, and HCV). The collected data were entered and analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. From the bivariable analysis, variables having P value < 0.2 were retained into multivariable analysis. From the multivariable analysis, variables with P value < 0.05 were affirmed as statistically associated factors. Adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were used as indicators of the strength of association. Results. Majority of study participants were urban dwellers, 10 (2.8%) respondents were married, 61 (16.9%) have more than two children, and more than half of them were at the age range between 18 and 27 years. Any infection with STIs was 84 (23.3%), whereas 27 (7.5%), 47 (13.1%), 2 (0.6%), and 45 (12.5%) study participants were positive for laboratory test of HIV, HBV, HCV, and T. pallidum, respectively. Marital status, sharing of sharp materials, breakage of condom, number of customers per week, genital discharge, and pain had significant association with any STI. Conclusions. In comparison with different research works in Ethiopia and abroad, the prevalence of any STI, HIV, HBV, and T. pallidum was found to be relatively high. Preventive approach and appropriate treatment of STIs should be developed. Concerned body should work together to alleviate the problem by counseling and recruiting them on other productive job sectors in the country.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and Associated Factors Among Female Sex Workers Using Respondent-Driven Sampling in Hawassa City, Ethiopia

“…But, this finding was not statistically significant ( P >0.05), which is inconsistent with a study conducted in Nigeria. 28 On the other hand, similar findings to the current study were reported from Dessie, Ethiopia 13 and Burkina Faso. 8 The possible reasons may be the early onset of sexual intercourse, which represents an increased risk for sexually transmitted infections.…”

“… 10 From limited studies in Ethiopia, the highest prevalences were reported from Gondar (28.9%), 11 Mekelle (6%), 12 and Dessie (13.1%). 13 In other developed countries such as Brazil, 14 China, 15 Thailand, 16 and India 17 the prevalence of HBV among Female sex workers (FSWs) was 23.6%, 10.7%, 11.4%, and 3.6%, respectively.…”

Prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B and C virus infections among female Sex workers in Ethiopia: Results of the national biobehavioral Survey, 2020

“…There is much variation in the prevalence HBV infection across countries, including those which have a lower prevalence than ours like Mexico 0.2% (34), Iran 1.1% (35), Greece 1.3% (36), Brazil 0.7% (37), those with similar prevalence to ours like Rwanda 2.5% (38), and countries in SSA having much higher prevalence than ours like Nigeria 17.1% (39), Kenya, 13.3% (40), and Ghana 15.0% (41). Similarly, isolated and limited studies on HBV conducted in different cities/towns in Ethiopia at various times reported varying prevalence by site and year of study - Dessie 13.1% (11), Hawassa 9.2% (14), Gonder 28.9% (15), and Mekelle 6% (16). This variation could largely be explained by the differences in sociodemographic characteristics of study populations, study settings, sample size, and sampling methods focusing on high-risk population groups.…”

“…There are limited data from isolated studies showing the prevalence of HBV in Ethiopia - Hawassa 9.2% (14), Gonder 28.9% (15), Mekelle 6% (16), Dessie 13.1% (11), and northwest Ethiopia (11.9%) (17). FSW have been identified as a population group with the highest risk for STI, including HBV and HCV, and should perceive priority in the national HIV/AIDS program (18).…”

“…Several studies have shown that low adherence to condom use, multiple sexual partners, unsafe sexual practices, illicit drug use, and co-infection with other STI increase the risk of HBV and HCV transmission. FSW also have a higher risk of contracting STI from their non-paying partners than from their paying clients (10,11).…”