Epidemiology of Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV, and Related High-Risk Behaviors among Female Sex Workers in Guangxi Autonomous Region, China

This study assessed the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and associated risk factors among female sex workers (FSWs) in Guangxi autonomous region, China. A cross-sectional study of 488 FSWs was conducted using a structured questionnaire to collect sociodemographic and behavioral information. Biological specimens from subjects were sampled to detect various STIs and HIV infection. Among FSWs, the prevalence rates of syphilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, genital herpes, condyloma acuminate, and HIV were 7.2%, 1.8%, 18.2%, 0.4%, 2.3%, and 0.8%, respectively. The prevalence rates of single, double, and triple infections were 22.3%, 3.9%, and 0.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that STIs and HIV infection was independently related to low education level (OR = 7.244; 95% CI = 3.031-17.213; P < 0.001), low knowledge of STIs/HIV (OR = 0.191; 95% CI = 0.108-0.337; P < 0.001), low-grade working place (OR = 1.64; 95%CI = 1.016-2.648; P = 0.046), and no condom use during the last sexual intercourse (OR = 0.199; 95% CI = 0.113-0.350; P < 0.001). The prevalence of STIs is high among FSWs in Guangxi, is accompanied by a 0.8% HIV-positive rate, and may be largely related to high-risk sexual behaviors. Future interventions should be focused on the reduction of risk factors, including promotion of condom use and improvement of knowledge of STIs and HIV among FSWs.