Risk factors for HIV and STI among female sex workers in a high HIV prevalent region of Ecuador

Abstract

Background: Globally, female sex workers (FSWs) constitute one of the most vulnerable populations for HIV/STI acquisition. However, very little is known about these infections and their risk factors among FSWs in Ecuador and Latin America. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge, risk behaviors and factors associated with the prevalence of HIV, syphilis and self-reported STI among FSWs in a high HIV prevalence province in Ecuador. Methods: Data from 270 FSWs in Ecuador recruited by snowball sampling were analyzed. Structured questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interviews and blood samples were obtained and tested for HIV and syphilis. Results: The prevalence were 0.7% for HIV infection, 3.3% for syphilis and 26.4% for other self-reported STIs. Age of onset of sex work, knowledge of HIV transmission and condom use were significant risk factors for HIV/syphilis co-infection. The factors associated with self-reported STI were the age of onset of sex work, knowledge of any STI, marital status, and sex with other person(s) other than clients. Conclusions: In a high HIV prevalent region of Ecuador, among FSWs the prevalence of HIV and syphilis was low but self-reported STIs was high, and this study identified several risk factors that provide scientific evidences for health policy decisions like the strength of health promotion and education programs for FSWs, especially the among the youngest.

<p>Increased incidences of noninfectious comorbidities among aging populations living with human immunodeficiency virus in Ecuador: a multicenter retrospective analysis</p>

“…The HIV epidemic in Ecuador has been reported to be concentrated among high risk populations. Previous research conducted in two major cities of Ecuador estimated the prevalence of HIV among MSM to be 14.5% in Quito and 27.8% in Guayaquil,17 meanwhile in Esmeraldas MSM estimated a prevalence of 10%18 and among Female Commercial Sex Workers (FCSW) 0.7% 19…”

Differentiating the incidence and burden of HIV by age among women who sell sex: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…A total of 18 studies were eligible for inclusion. These studies are summarized in Table 2, grouped by geographical region [17,[37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53]. Most studies were in Asia (India N = 4, Nepal and Thailand N = 2), North America (Canada N = 2, the United States = 2 and Mexico), sub-Saharan Africa (Lesotho and Rwanda) or Latin America (Ecuador and Guatemala), with one study in Ukraine and one study in Iran (Table 2).…”

Financial Incentives, Not Behavioral Nudges, Led to Optimized HIV Testing among Pregnant Women in a High-Burden Urban Population in Ecuador

“…Between 1984 and 2011, the majority of PWH in Ecuador received antiretroviral treatment in the following urban centers where the epidemic concentrates: Guayaquil (63.1%), Quito (14.5%), and Esmeraldas (4.3%). 15 In this city, specific population subgroups, such as men who have sex with men and female sex workers, have vastly differential disease prevalence of 10% 16 and 0.7%, 17 respectively.…”