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Prevalence and risk factors of syphilis infection among female sex workers in S henzhen, C hina: an observational study (2009–2012)
Author(s) -
Cai R.,
Tan J. G.,
Chen L.,
Richardus J. H.,
Vlas S. J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/tmi.12204
Subject(s) - syphilis , medicine , condom , female sex , observational study , logistic regression , sex work , demography , demographics , environmental health , family medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , sociology
Objective To investigate prevalence and risk factors of syphilis infection among female sex workers ( FSW s) in S henzhen, C hina. Methods Observational study among (2009–2012) 1653 FSW s recruited by venue‐based sampling using questionnaire‐based interviews for socio‐demographics, behaviours and syphilis testing results. Logistic regression was used to assess risk factors of syphilis infection. Results The overall syphilis prevalence was 4.7%, showing a slightly decreasing trend. Factors significantly associated with syphilis infection were inconsistent condom use ( OR = 1.87, P = 0.015), illicit drug use ( OR = 5.45, P < 0.001) and older age in years ( OR = 1.08, P < 0.001). Venues where FSW s were recruited and duration of commercial sex work were not significantly associated with syphilis infection ( P > 0.05). Conclusions Syphilis is still common among FSW s in S henzhen, C hina. Current comprehensive prevention programmes (e.g. condom promotion and peer education) should be continued to maintain and increase safe sexual practices and to reduce illicit drug use among FSW s. Expanding point‐of‐care syphilis screening programmes may be an important strategy for early diagnosis. We recommend timely and effective treatment programmes to be linked to such screening programmes.