Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection amongst female sex workers in Nigeria.

Abstract

In most parts of the world, female sex workers (FSW) have been among the groups most vulnerable to and most affected by HIV. The data on HIV infection among FSW is very scanty in North central of Nigeria. OBJECTIVE To examine factors contributing to the spread of the HIV epidemic among FSW participating in a program for the prevention of transmission of HIV at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Jos, Plateau State Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 500 FSW were interviewed, but only 307 consented to give their blood samples to be tested for HIV and Syphilis and genital specimens were collected from them, analyzed for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Information about sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, knowledge about HIV and other STIs, HIV risk perception and history of STI-related symptoms were also documented. RESULT: The prevalence of HIV was 57.3% (176/307). HIV –1, HIV-1&2 and HIV-2 accounted for 96.0%, 2.3% and 1.7% respectively. Their mean age was 24.5 + 5.5years.The FSW within age groups 20-24 and 25-29 years were more affected with prevalence rates of 39.4% and 35.5%, respectively. In addition, those with genital symptoms and STIs during the last 12 months had increased risk of HIV by 68.6 (pValue <0.001) Other predictors of HIV observed include: duration of stay in brothel, marital status, those who did not perceive themselves to be at risk of HIV and use condom are likely to have contributed to HIV epidemic. CONCLUSION: Development of effective interventions, including behavioral change in terms of condom use, strong HIV intervention services and STI control, should be accorded high priority.