HIV in female sex workers in five border provinces of Vietnam
Thuong, N.V.; Nhung, V.T.; Nghia, K.V.; Tram, L.T.; O'Farrell, N.
Sexually Transmitted Infections 81(6): 477-479
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1368-4973 PMID: 16326850 DOI: 10.1136/sti.2005.016097Document Number: 259794
To determine the prevalence of HIV and associated risk factors among female sex workers (FSWs) in border provinces of Vietnam. 911 FSWs in five border provinces of Vietnam (Lai Chau, Quang Tri, Dong Thap, An Giang, and Kien Giang) were enrolled in a cross sectional study. Subjects were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire about selected sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics, history of STIs, and information about their cohabiting partners (husbands or live-in partners). Serological tests were done for HIV and syphilis (TPHA+RPR) and urine tests (PCR) for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Associations between HIV and selected features of FSWs and their partners were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Overall, the prevalence of HIV among FSWs in the five provinces of Vietnam was 4.5%. The prevalence of HIV was higher in the southern border regions (4.0%-7.0%) than the northern (2%) and central (1%) regions. In multivariate analysis between HIV and selected features of FSWs, income < or =$33/month (OR 2.36, p = 0.04), age of first sex < or =15 (OR = 5.48, p = 0.005), and > or =9 clients per week (OR 2.80, p = 0.018) were associated with HIV infection. Positive syphilis serology achieved a borderline significant association with HIV (OR 2.30, p = 0.095). Having a regular non-paying partner (OR = 0.35, p = 0.060) was a borderline protective factor for HIV. Interventions to limit HIV transmission among FSWs in Vietnam should be implemented early and focus on young poor populations in these border areas.