Syphilis and HIV Prevalence among Commercial Sex Workers in Central Java, Indonesia: Risk-Taking Behavior and Attitudes that May Potentiate a Wider Epidemic

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 commercial sex workers (CSWs) from two brothel communities in Central Java, Indonesia, to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis and HIV and characterize associated knowledge, beliefs, and risk-taking behaviors. A questionnaire was administered and blood drawn for HIV and syphilis serologies. Focus groups with a total of 20 women were also conducted at both communities to supplement survey data. The mean CSW age was 27.3 years; mean number of clients seen per day was 2.27. The prevalence of syphilis and HIV were 7.5% and 0.5%, respectively. Thirty percent said they and their partners never used condoms during sex, and only 3.0% said they always used condoms. The most common client groups were truck drivers and sailors. While Central Java appears to remain in a pre-epidemic state, there is enormous potential for a significant increase in HIV and STD transmission.

Syphilis among female sex workers in Indonesia: need and opportunity for intervention

“…This is in agreement with earlier reports from Indonesia5 21 and efforts continue to strengthen the condom promotion programme. Although consistent condom use will contribute to the prevention of syphilis transmission, it will take time to establish efficient and effective programmes.…”

A qualitative assessment of long distance truck drivers' vulnerability to HIV/AIDS in Itajai, southern Brazil

“…Longer truck driving careers and trips were significantly associated with HIV infection (Manjunath et al, 2002). Studies conducted in Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nigeria and Florida (USA) indicate that condom use among truck drivers is low and/or inconsistent (Gibney et al, 2003;Morris et al, 1996;Stratford et al, 2000;Sugihantono et al, 2003;Sunmola, 2005). A study of HIV-positive truckers in Bangladesh found that over one third did not change their sexual behavior after learning that they were HIV-positive (Gibney et al, 2003).…”

Impact of Social and Structural Influence Interventions on Condom Use and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Establishment-Based Female Bar Workers in the Philippines

“…Consistent with common beliefs, accumulating data support the contention that CSWs are contributing to the spread of HIV to heterosexuals (Reed, Ford, & Wirawan, 2001). As such, a burgeoning literature in this area has emerged regarding risk and protective factors for STI/HIV transmission (Sugihantono et al, 2003).…”

“…Consistent with common beliefs, accumulating data support the contention that CSWs are contributing to the spread of HIV to heterosexuals (Reed, Ford, & Wirawan, 2001). As such, a burgeoning literature in this area has emerged regarding risk and protective factors for STI/HIV transmission (Sugihantono et al, 2003).Established individual-level informational and attitudinal correlates of high risk behavior have been the focus of HIV prevention interventions. However, economic, organizational, legal and other macro-level structural factors have been increasingly emphasized in preventing HIV (Liu & So, 1996;Sumartojo, 2000).…”