Prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and factors associated with syphilis among female sex workers in Panama

Abstract

ObjectivesBiological and behavioural surveillance of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among populations at highest risk have been used to monitor trends in prevalence and in risk behaviours. Sex work in Panama is regulated through registration with the Social Hygiene Programme, Ministry of Health. We estimated prevalence of HIV and STIs, and factors associated with active syphilis among female sex workers (FSWs).MethodsA cross-sectional study using venue-based, time-space sampling was conducted among FSWs in Panama from 2009 to 2010. FSWs were interviewed about sociodemographic characteristics, sexual risk behaviour, health history and drug use using an anonymous structured questionnaire. Blood was collected for serological testing of HIV and other STIs. Factors associated with active syphilis were studied using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe overall HIV-1 prevalence of 0.7% varied by FSW category; 1.6% in 379 unregistered, and 0.2% in 620 registered FSWs. Overall prevalence (and 95% CI) of STIs were: syphilis antibody, 3.8% (2.7% to 5.2%); herpes simplex virus type 2 antibody (anti-HSV-2), 74.2% (71.4% to 76.9%); hepatitis B surface antigen, 0.6% (0.2% to 1.3%); hepatitis B core antibody, 8.7% (7.0% to 10.6%); and hepatitis C antibody, 0.2% (0.0% to 0.7%). In multivariate analysis, registration (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.35; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.74), having a history of STI (AOR=2.37; 95% CI 1.01 to 5.58), forced sex (AOR=2.47; 95% CI 1.11 to 5.48), and anti-HSV-2 (AOR=10.05; 95% CI 1.36 to 74.38) were associated with active syphilis.ConclusionsAlthough HIV prevalence is low among FSWs in Panama, unregistered FSWs bear a higher burden of HIV and STIs than registered FSWs. Programmes aimed at overcoming obstacles to registration, and HIV, STI and harm reduction among unregistered FSWs is warranted to prevent HIV transmission, and to improve their sexual and reproductive health.

Molecular characterisation of hepatitis B virus in the resident Chinese population in Panama City

“…The population of Chinese residents in Panama is estimated at 102,000 individuals, representing 2.9-3.1% of the total population. In this study, we found a high prevalence of HBV in the Chinese community in Panama City, approximately 13.1%, which is comparable to the prevalence in high endemic areas of China (Zeng et al 2005) and is 20 times higher than the observed prevalence in female sex workers in Panama (Hakre et al 2012). A similar phenomenon has been observed in other cosmopolitan areas around the world (Merican et al 2000, Pollack et al 2006 , Khan et al 2008).…”

Phylogenetic Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes Circulating in Different Risk Groups of Panama, Evidence of the Introduction of Genotype A2 in the Country

“…In Panama, HBV prevalence rates vary according to the population being studied. Commercial sex workers (CSW) show a low prevalence (0.9%) [ 3 ]; men that have sex with men (MSM) have an intermediate prevalence (3.4%) [ 4 ], while blood donors have the lowest prevalence (0.03%) [ 5 ]. These differences in HBV prevalence between the different groups has also been observed in other countries [ 6 – 16 ].…”

The Influence of Alcohol Use Disorders on Sex and Mood in an HIV infected Population in the State of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil

“…Variables with p<0.20 in univariate analysis were included in the logistic regression model in order to assume that potential confounders were not excluded from the analysis. This cutoff for eligibility in the multivariate analysis has been also selected in previous studies with similar proceedings for data analysis [23][24][25]. Those with p<0.05 were retained in the final multivariate logistic model in a backward stepwise manner, and were considered as independently associated with AUD.…”