HIV and STI Prevalence among Female Sex Workers in Côte d'Ivoire: Why Targeted Prevention Programs Should Be Continued and Strengthened

Objective: To assess condom use and prevalence of STIs and HIV among female sex workers (FSWs), as part of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan of a nationwide sex worker prevention project in Côte d’Ivoire. Design and Methods: Cross sectional surveys were conducted among FSWs attending five project clinics in Abidjan and San Pedro (2007), and in Yamoussoukro and Gagnoa (2009). A standardized questionnaire was administered in a face-toface interview, which included questions on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour and condom use. After the interview, the participants were asked to provide samples for STI and HIV testing. Results: A total of 1110 FSWs participated in the surveys. There were large differences in socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics between FSW coming for the first time as compared to FSW coming on a routine visit. The prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae or C.trachomatis was 9.1%, 11.8 % among first vs. 6.9 % routine attendees (p = 0.004). The overall HIV prevalence was 26.6%, it was lower among first time attendees (17.5 % as compared to 33.9 % for routine attendees, p,0.001). The HIV prevalence among first attendees was also lower than the proportion of HIV positive tests from routine testing and counselling services in the same clinics. Conclusions: The results show a relatively high STI and HIV prevalence among FSWs in different cities in Côte d’Ivoire. In th

Socio-demographic characteristics and STI/HIV prevalence among female sex workers (FSW) coming for the first time to the clinics compared with FSW coming for a routine visit.

§<p>Chi square or Kruskal Wallis test.</p>*<p>Consistent condom use with clients during last working day.</p>**<p>Consistent condom use with regular partner during last week.</p><p>Note: some of the numbers don't add up to the totals because of missing values.</p

Prevalence of HIV as measured by the surveys and proportion of HIV positive FSW in routine counseling and testing services (^*), for first time attendees and per study site.

*<p>6 months previous study period.</p

Scaling up sex worker interventions in Côte d'Ivoire: phased approach.

<p>Scaling up sex worker interventions in Côte d'Ivoire: phased approach.</p