Latest study on STI and associated risk factors in Female Sex Workers

Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis are prevalent among female sex workers receiving sexually transmitted infection and human immunodeficiency virus prevention services in Bangladesh. Revision of the national guideline for the syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections needs revisiting.

Between August and October 2014, a cross-sectional study was conducted among street-based and residence-based FSWs receiving HIV prevention services at 24 drop in centers in Dhaka. Participants underwent behavioral interview, clinical examination, and laboratory testing for selected STIs using cervical swabs and blood.

Prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and active syphilis were 5.1%, 4.6%, 1.3% in street FSWs and were 5.8%, 8.2%, and 0.6% for residence FSWs which are lower compared with the previously reported rates.

Being more or equal to 5 years in sex trade, and having a cervical discharge was associated with having STI. Resistance to some antibiotics were also seen to be present in the collected samples.

Despite receiving HIV/STI prevention services, bacterial STIs remain prevalent among FSWs suggesting the need for more effective management of STIs. The guidelines for management of STIs need revision in view of the emerging resistance.

Reference:

Khanam, R.; Reza, M.; Ahmed, D.; Rahman, M.; Alam, M. S.; Sultana, S.; Alam, A.; Khan, S. I.; Mayer, K. H. and Azim, T., (2017) Sexually Transmitted Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Street-Based and Residence-Based Female Sex Workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sexually Transmitted Diseases
2017 , 44 (1), p 22–29, doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000536

Online at:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27898572