HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and risk behaviors among female sex workers in Liuzhou, China

Objective: To determine the prevalence of infections with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and of syphilis among female sex workers (FSWs) in Liuzhou, China, along with levels of HIV-related knowledge and frequencies of risk behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July 2012 and January 2013. FSWs (aged >= 16 years; reported receiving payment for sex in previous 6 months) working at 58 selected commercial sex establishments (level 1 [>(sic)300 per transaction], level 2 [(sic)100-300], or level 3 [<(sic)100]) completed a questionnaire and provided blood samples for testing. Results: Of 622 participating FSWs, 7 (1.1%) had HIV infection, 67 (10.8%) syphilis, and 44 (7.1%) HCV infection. Consistent condom use during commercial sex encounters in the past month was reported by 412 (66.2%) FSWs. Inconsistent condom use was most likely in FSWs working in level 3 establishments (odds ratio [OR] 1.85; 95% CI 1.02-3.39), with a regular partner (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.12-2.45), and who used illicit drugs (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.24-3.54). Inconsistent condom use was least likely in FSWs with high HIV awareness (OR 0.29; 95% Cl 0.18-0.48) and who had had a previous HIV test (OR 0.51; 95% CI 034-0.76). Conclusion: Further prioritized and combined programs aimed at FSWs are needed to prevent HIV transmission in China. (C) 2014 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.