Acceso a atención odontológica y autopercepción de salud bucal en mujeres trabajadoras sexuales adultas: scoping review / Access to dental care and self- perception of oral health in adult women sex workers: scoping review

Objetivo: reconocer la asociación entre el acceso a atención odontológica y la autopercepción de salud bucal, entendida como buena, regular o mala, según valoración subjetiva, en mujeres adultas trabajadoras sexuales. Métodos: scoping review durante octubre de 2022 en EMBASE (Elsevier), LILACS y PUBMED. Se tuvo en cuenta la guía de métodos de Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), así como la extensión PRISMA para Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Se incluyeron estudios de corte transversal que incluían como actores de estudio a mujeres trabajadoras sexuales y los temas que aquí se abordan. La calidad de los estudios se evaluó mediante la herramienta New Castle-Ottawa. Resultados: se identifcaron 48 artículos de los cuales tres fueron finalmente incluidos en la síntesis de los resultados. La población de los estudios incluidos estuvo centrada en trabajadoras sexuales de diferentes lugares como Suiza, China e India, alrededor de las cuales se abordó el acceso a servicios de atención odontológica y la autopercepción de salud; igualmente, fue común el abordaje detemas de salud sexual. Se evidenciaron barreras económicas, sociales, culturales en el acceso a atención odontológica en trabajadoras sexuales, asimismo la salud autopercibida de las mismas fue interpretada como buena. Conclusión: se evidenció una limitada cantidad de información sobre el acceso a servicios de salud bucal por parte de trabajadoras sexuales con respecto a la información disponible en salud sexual. Por este motivo, es relevante realizar más estudios que tengan en cuenta el componente de salud bucodental en trabajadoras sexuales, teniendo en cuenta los riesgos y vulnerabilidades a las que se encuentran expuestas.

Objective: To recognize the association between access to dental care and self-perception of oral health in terms of subjective assessment as good, regular/average, or bad/poor, in adult women sex workers. Methods: A scoping review during October2022 in EMBASE (Elsevier), LILACS and PUBMED. This study takes into considerationThe Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) method guide and the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The current study also includes cross-sectional studies that considered variables like sex workers, access to dental care, and self-perceived health. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the New Castle-Ottawa tool. Results: Forty-eight articles were identifed, of which three were fnally included in the synthesis of the results. The population of the included studies was focused on sex workers from diferent places such as Switzerland, China and India, the issue of access to dental care services and self-perception of health was also common addressing sexual health issues, these studies identifed economic, social, and cultural barriers in access to dental care for sex workers; also, their self-perceived health was interpreted as good. Conclusion: The limited amount of information regarding access to oral health services by sex workers, regarding information found in terms of sexual health, was evidenced; for this reason, it is important to carry out more studies that consider the oral health component in sex workers, considering the risks and vulnerabilities to which they are exposed.

FEELINGS OF ABUSE AND ITS ROLE IN THE ACCEPTANCE OF SELF AMONG FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN INDIA

Approximately three billion female sex workers are working willingly and unwillingly in India. Research has shown that female sex workers have to face stereotypes and violence from society. Due to this, they feel more depressed, yet they are not able to report everything to police personnel because of the unequal treatment because society considers them taboo. Keeping in mind, the present research aims to investigate the role of feelings of abuse and acceptance of self among female sex workers in India. A sample of 300 women (100- female sex workers, 100-working women, and 100- homemaker women) belonging to the age group of 25-40 was randomly selected from the women living in the Delhi NCR region on an availability basis. Composite Abuse Scale (Revised) Short Form and Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire were used to collect the data. After applying the Composite Abuse Scale (revised) and Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire, unconditional self-acceptance found a significant association with all dimensions of CAS among female sex workers. In this sense, working women are found higher on self-acceptance than the other two groups. Also, obtained results showed a significant difference in abuse among female sex workers, working women, and homemaker females, and all variables, female sex workers have found a significantly higher mean than homemakers and working women which stated that female sex workers are mentally, physically and sexually harassed daily which led to bad health consequences.

Injecting drug use & HIV prevalence among female sex workers: Evidence from the National Integrated Biological & Behavioural Surveillance, India

Background & objectives: Female sex workers (FSWs) who inject drugs (FSW-IDs) have a higher risk of HIV infection and transmission. Understanding the socio-demographic characteristics and other risk behaviours among FSW-IDs will help in strengthening targeted interventions for HIV prevention and management. In the present study, the HIV prevalence, associated socio-demographic characteristics and risk behaviours among FSWs who injected drugs (FSW-IDs) and those who did not ID (FSW-NIDs) was determined in India. Methods: The national cross-sectional, community-based, integrated biological and behavioural surveillance was conducted in 2014-2015 at 73 randomly selected FSW domains across 28 States and Union Territories in India. The sample size was fixed at 400 for each domain, and a probability-based sampling method was followed. The data were analyzed by logistic regression methods. Results: Data from 27,007 FSWs were included in the analysis, of which 802 (3%) were FSW-IDs. HIV prevalence among FSW-IDs was significantly higher than that in FSW-NIDs (4.5 vs. 1.9%). Univariate analysis showed that factors significantly associated with higher HIV prevalence among FSW-IDs were older age, sex work as the only source of income, dissolved marriage, living with a sex worker, urban locality of sex work and consumption of alcohol or oral drugs. In multivariable analysis, factors such as older age of FSW-IDs (35 yr and above), having a dissolved marriage and sex work being the only source of income were observed to be independently and significantly associated with higher HIV prevalence. Interpretation & conclusions: Scaling up the HIV preventive interventions for FSW-IDs, such as facilitating awareness and improved access to needle and syringe exchange programme (NSEP) and opioid substitution therapy (OST), encouraging safe sex and injecting practices, educating on the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs and providing alternative vocation options to secure their financial needs are several strategies that may reduce HIV transmission among FSWs.

Psycological distress and life satisfaction among female commercial sex workers

Background: Psychological distress is higher in women working in the sex industry. The aim of the study was to determine the psychological distress and life satisfaction among female commercial sex workers (FCSWs). Methodology: In the present study hundred (100) female commercial sex workers were selected from Lamjingshai targeting center project under Meghalaya Aids Control Society, Shillong, Meghalaya. For the recruitment of sample simple random sampling procedure was followed, Socio-Demographic data sheet, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and Satisfaction with the life scale were administered. Results: Among the total participants 53 % of the respondents were having moderate mental disorder, 25% were having severe mental disorder, 10% were having mild mental disorder and 12% of the respondents were normal. Majority of the respondents score average (75 %) in Satisfaction with life scale, 13% score high in to Satisfaction with life, 6% score very high in Satisfaction with life and 6% score slightly below average in Satisfaction with life scale. Psychological distress has a significant negative correlation with life satisfaction (r=-.176, p<0.05). Conclusion: Assessment of the psychological distress in female commercial sex worker is significant in developing health policy and interventions to reduce their impact on their wellbeing.

The occurrence of cryptosporidiosis and amoebiasis among HIV infected female sex workers with symptomatic diarrhoea

Objectives: Manipur is one of the high HIV prevalence states of India.Quite a good number of HIV infected females are indulged in the profession of sex workers. These female sex workers (FSWs) are experiencing a number of gastrointestinal related disorders including diarrhoea caused by a wide variety of pathogens, including parasites. Therefore, the present study is being undertaken with a view assessing the occurrence of enteric parasites, especially Cryptosporidium sp and Entamoeba histolytica towards their involvement as the diarrhoeagenic agent(s) in these groups of patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Hospital, Imphal, Manipurfrom1stJanuary to 31stDecember 2018.The study group included54 HIVseropositive female sex workers with symptomatic diarrhoea. Stool sample(s) preserved in 2.5% K2Cr2O7for Cryptosporidium sp and 10% buffer formalin for Entamoeba histolytica and other classical parasites were collected for this study. Results: The present study reveals that out of the selected 54 HIV positive FSWs screened for the presence of enteric parasitosis, 16 (29.62%) individuals were found positive for three parasitic infections– cryptosporidiosis, amoebiasis and hookworm infection. Both mixed infection (31.25%) and single infection (68.75%) were observed among the patients. Single infection with Cryptosporidium sp and Entamoeba histolytica were observed in 5 (31.25%) and 6 (37.5%) patients respectively. Patients in the age group of 25 -30 and 30-35 years were observed to have been more infected. Conclusion: The study reveals that intestinal parasitic infection caused by Cryptosporidium sp and Entamoeba histolytica are prevalent among the present study group of HIV infected female sex workers.

Prevalence of HIV/STIs and correlates with municipal characteristics among female sex workers in 13 Mexican cities / Prevalencia de VIH/ITS y correlaciones con carácterísticas municipales entre trabajadoras sexuales en 13 ciudades mexicanas

Abstract: Objective: To identify correlates of HIV/STI prevalence among 13 cities with varying sizes of female sex worker (FSW) populations and municipal characteristics in Mexico. Materials and methods: FSWs underwent interviews and testing for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Logistic regression explored variations in HIV/STI prevalence. Results: Among FSWs (n=1 092), prevalence across 13 sites was: HIV: 0.4% (range: 0%-1.4%): syphilis: 7.8% (range: 0%-17.2%); chlamydia: 15.3% (range: 5.7%-32.2%); gonorrhea: 2.9% (range 0%-13.8%), and any HIV/STI: 23% (range: 9.9%-46%). Municipalities with high human development scores and a lower municipal marginalization index had higher odds of combined HIV/STI prevalence. After controlling for site-specific variability in municipal characteristics, greater risk of HIV/STIs was associated with lower education, having a spouse diagnosed or treated for an STI, unaffordability of condoms, and having non-Mexican clients. Conclusions: Prevalence of HIV/STIs varies across Mexican municipalities indicating the need for surveillance to identify hotspots for targeted resource allocation.

Resumen: Objetivo: Identificar correlaciones de la prevalencia de VIH / ITS entre 13 ciudades con diferentes tamaños de población de trabajadoras sexuales y características municipales en México. Material y métodos: Las trabajadoras sexuales fueron entrevistadas y recibieron pruebas de VIH, sífilis, gonorrea y clamidia. La regresión logística exploró las variaciones en la prevalencia del VIH/ITS. Resultados: Entre las trabajadoras sexuales (n = 1 092), la prevalencia en 13 sitios fue: VIH: 0.4% (rango: 0-1.4%): sífilis: 7.8% (rango: 0-17.2%); clamidia: 15.3% (rango: 5.7-32.2%); gonorrea: 2.9% (rango 0-13.8%) y cualquier VIH/ITS: 23% (rango: 9.9-46%). Los municipios con altos puntajes de desarrollo humano y menor índice de marginación municipal tuvieron una mayor probabilidad de prevalencia combinada de VIH/ITS. Después de controlar la variabilidad específica del sitio en las características municipales, el mayor riesgo de VIH / ITS se asoció con menor educación, tener un cónyuge diagnosticado o tratado para una ITS, imposibilidad de conseguir condones y tener clientes no mexicanos. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de VIH/ITS varía entre los municipios mexicanos, lo que indica la necesidad de una vigilancia para identificar hotspots para la asignación selectiva.

Uptake of HIV testing and HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men in Karnataka

Background: This paper presents the prevalence of human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending integrated counselling and testing Centres (ICTC) in selected districts of Karnataka.Methods: A cross sectional study was done at ICTCs. Men and transgenders coming with referral slips from targeted intervention (TI), non-government organizations (NGOs) were considered as MSMs. The basic demographic data, HIV test result and details of post- test counselling were collected in specific format. Data from 13 districts was obtained from April 2009 to March 2010 and comparing the prevalence of HIV among MSM in HIV sentinel surveillance (HSS).Results: Out of 8,276 MSMs in 13 districts, 2808 (33.9%) visited ICTCs with TI NGOs referral slips and were tested for HIV once in a year. The overall prevalence of HIV was 8.6%. Prevalence was highest (17.3%) among men in the age group of 41 to 45 years, illiterates (11.5%), unemployed (11.2%) and divorced and separated (13.3%) and widowed (13.6%) MSMs. Among those tested, 97.7% of MSM underwent post-test counselling and collected their report. The highest HIV prevalence was among MSMs from Mysore district (20.1%), followed by Udupi (19.9%) and Bagalkot (10.6%). Rest of all the other districts had less than 10% of HIV prevalence.Conclusions: The uptake of HIV testing among the MSM with referral slips was low in Karnataka. The prevalence level differs in various districts. There is need for more focused and effective counselling by peer educators for correct and consistent condom usage among illiterate, widowed and unemployed MSMs.

Factors associated with being recaptured among low-fee female sex workers in HIV surveillance and intervention / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective This objective of the study was to analyze the factors related to being recaptured and condom use among low-fee female sex workers (FSWs) to provide reference in developing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) intervention strategy. Methods Physical examination certificates were designed by Zhongshan County Center for Disease Control and Prevention to record HIV and syphilis test results for low-fee FSWs from 2013 to 2015. Low-fee FSWs were asked to show physical examination certificates in the next intervention and test. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with being captured with physical examination certificates. Generalized linear mixed model was used to analyze factors associated with condom use with clients. Results A total of 220 low-fee FSWs were recruited by using physical examination certificates and received 389 interviews from 2013 to 2015. The proportions of HIV positive and syphilis positive were 4.2% (9/213) and 30.0% (64/213) respectively among those who had HIV and syphilis test. Results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that low-fee FSWs who had been FSWs for more than 4 years (OR=2.95, 95% CI：1.35-6.45), and worked in the local county in the past 30 days (OR=11.74, 95% CI: 5.26-26.20), were more likely to be captured with physical examination certificates. Results of generalized linear mixed model showed that those who were captured at least once (OR=3.33, 95% CI: 1.34-8.27), had junior middle school education and above (OR=22.79, 95% CI: 3.75-138.57), had high HIV knowledge (OR=3.57, 95% CI: 1.52-8.38), and charged more than 30 yuan for vaginal sex (OR=30.68, 95% CI: 12.57-74.90), were more likely to use condom consistently. Conclusions Physical examination certificates could be used for low-fee FSWs surveillance and intervention and tracking their HIV and syphilis status. The intervention strategy should take these into consideration.

An analysis on the result of sentinel surveillance of AIDS among female sex workers in Huzhou City / 预防医学

Objective To learn the infection status of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)among female sex workers (FSWs)in Huzhou,and to learn the awareness rate of knowledge of AIDS, and to provide scientific evidence for the development of prevention and control measures.Methods According to the national AIDS surveillance standards,a questionnaire survey was conducted among FSWs and blood samples were collected to detect the antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),syphilis and hepatitis C virus.Results A total of 800 FSWs,with an average age (25. 5 ±5. 0 years old)were investigated,and the awareness rate of AIDS related knowledge was 92. 0%.The positive rate of syphilis antibody was 2. 9%and the positive rate of hepatitis C antibody was 0. 2%.HIV antibody was tested negative.The persistent condom use rate among commercial sex workers was 57. 6% in the recent month.The awareness rate of AIDs related knowledge among FSWs with senior middle school education and above was 3. 51 times of those with primary school education and below.Conclusion The prevalence of syphilis and hepatitis C infection among FSWs were high in Huzhou.It is necessary to strengthen the health education among FSWs to improve the awareness of the knowledge,especially for those with low level education.And it is necessary to improve the accessibility of AIDs prevention service to reduce the spread of HIV.

Infection status among female sex workers in Guangdong Province from 2009 to 2013 / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To analyze effect of the syphilis prevention and control work among female sex workers(FSWs), and provide reference data for target intervention in Guangdong province.Methods Syphilis prevalence among FSWs from 2009 to 2013 were analyzed statistically based on the data from Guangdong Provincial high-risk groups in sexually transmit-ted infection(STI)control program.Results A total of 34 338 FSWs were detected,including 23 816(69.36%)FSWs at the high-tier venues,8 811(25.66%)middle-tier,and 1 711(4.98%)low tier.The syphilis prevalence of FSWs at high-, middle-,and low-tier venues in 2009 was 2.60%,7.36%,and 10.54% respectively,and in 2013 was 1.45%,2.75%,and 21.88% respectively.Chi-square test showed a downward trend in the prevalence of syphilis among the high and middle tier FSWs in 2009-2013(χ2 =12.807,52.333 respectively,both P <0.001),and remained high among FSWs at low-tier venues(χ2 =0.027,P =0.87).The difference in syphilis prevalence in 2013 among FSWs from different types of venues was statistically significant (χ2 =190.64,P <0.001 ).No significant difference in syphilis prevalence was found among FSWs from Pearl River Delta,eastern,western and northern Guangdong(χ2 =5.24,P =0.07).Conclusion Significant difference is found in prevalence of syphilis among FSWs from different types of settings.FSWs from low-tier settings have a relatively lower syphilis testing rate but with higher infection rate.

Condom Use and Prevalence of Genital Chlamydia trachomatis Among the Korean Female Sex Workers / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Since 2004, availability of resources for preventing sexually transmitted diseases in Korean female sex workers (FSWs) has decreased because of strict application of a law against prostitution. This study is to evaluate the condom use and prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among FSWs in Korea. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of FSWs from 15 major sex work sites in Korea from June to November 2008, using convenience sampling. Self-administered questionnaires and urine samples were collected after all participants' written informed consent. Urine samples were analyzed with PCR at a single central laboratory. RESULTS: Among 1,086 FSWs who consented to study participation, data from 999 FSWs were appropriate for analysis. C. trachomatis prevalence was 12.8% (95% CI: 10.7-14.9%). Younger age increased risk for C. trachomatis. Whereas majority of FSWs (71.0%) answered high self confidence in condom negotiation, the proportion of FSWs who always used condoms last month was only 23.7%. However, practicing regular condom use showed significant protection against chlamydia infection, not self confidence in condom negotiation. CONCLUSION: In Korea, FSWs were not practicing enough self-protection at work with a high prevalence of C. trachomatis. Education for constant practice of protection against sexually transmitted diseases is needed, especially for younger FSWs.

Study on the feasibility and related factors on semen samples from condoms, collected from sexual partners of and by the female sex workers for HIV-antibody testing / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To explore the feasibility and related factors of using semen samples from condoms collected by their female sex workers (FSWs) for HIV-antibody testing. Methods FSWs were recruited by outreach workers. Semen samples from condoms of their sexual partners (paid or regular) were collected by FSWs themselves after intercourse and for HIV testing. Male partners were asked to participate in the study. Questionnaires were administered for both FSWs and their male sexual parmers. Blood samples were also collected for HIV testing. Results In total, 54 FSWs with 43 of their regular sexual partners and 57 casual clients were recruited. HIV prevalence,determined from serum samples, were 33.33% among FSWs, 29.82% and 23.26% among their clients and regular sexual partners. 40.35% and 30.23% of the semen samples from the condoms they used,were tested positive for HIV among clients and regular sexual partners of the FSWs. The sensitivity of semen samples from condoms for HIV-antibodies was 100% among both clients and regular sexual partners of the FSWs, while the rates of specificity were 85.00% and 90.91% respectively. Data from Univariate analysis indicated that among FSWs, factors as the characteristics of self-reported needle sharing and the male sexual partners who had one child, were associated with the disparity between serum and condom semen sample for HIV-antibody testing. Conclusion HIV prevalence in male clients and regular sexual partners of the FSWs might be overestimated according to the HIV-antibody testing results of semen samples from condoms collected by FSWs themselves. Lower specificity indicated that FSWs with positive HIV might have contaminated the semen samples from the condom used by their HIV negative sexual partners.

Conhecimento sobre sorologia para sífilis e HIV entre profissionais do sexo de Pelotas, Brasil / Knowledge about HIV and syphilis serologic status among sex workers from Pelotas, Brazil

Introdução: os profissionais do sexo apresentam maior vulnerabilidade à sífilis e ao HIV. O conhecimento do estado sorológico possibilita tratamento e práticas de prevenção. Objetivo: avaliar o conhecimento dos profissionais do sexo de Pelotas/RS sobre seu estado sorológico para sífilis e HIV. Métodos: estudo transversal de base populacional, descritivo, realizado em 2006, com 322 profissionais do sexo maiores de 18 anos. Aplicou-se questionário sobre conhecimento da sorologia para sífilis e HIV e foi feito teste rápido para sífilis. Resultados: a maioria dos entrevistados era mulher (76,1%), entre 22-39 anos (64,9%), branca (63,7%), com 5-8 anos de escolaridade (45,7%), e 57,5% nunca haviam realizado sorologia para sífilis. Entre os que realizaram, 19,6% foram reagentes, 65% utilizaram a rede pública, e o motivo mais referido foi pré-natal. O teste rápido foi reagente para 24 entrevistados. Oitenta e oito por cento já haviam realizado sorologia para HIV. Os motivos mais frequentes foram "achar que tinha risco", "precaução" ou "controle" (27%) e pré-natal (24%). Dos entrevistados, 17 sabiam ter HIV e 13 destes estavam em tratamento. Conclusão: é baixo o percentual de testagem para sífilis entre os entrevistados. A testagem mais frequente para HIV pode estar relacionada ao maior conhecimento sobre a doença. A rede pública é o principal local de testagem e o pré-natal é motivo comum para os exames. Muitos dos profissionais fizeram os testes por reconhecer que têm risco para essas doenças.

Introduction: sex workers are more vulnerable to syphilis and HIV. Knowledge about serologic status allowed treatment and prevention behaviors. Objective: to evaluate the knowledge of sex workers from Pelotas/RS about their serologic status for syphilis and HIV. Methods: cross-sectional study population based, descriptive, done in 2006, with 322 sex workers aged 18 years old or more. A questionnaire about knowledge of syphilis and HIV serologic status was applied and we did rapid test for syphilis. Results: most of the interviewed were female (76.1%), between 22-39 years (64.9%), white skin (63.7%), schooling between 5-8 years (45.7%), 57.5% had never been tested for syphilis. Among those tested, 19.6% had a positive test, 65% went to public laboratories, and the most common reason was antenatal care. syphilis rapid test was positive for 24 people. 88% had already been tested for HIV. Most frequent reasons for this test were "I think I have risk", "precaution", "control" (27%) and antenatal care (24%). Seventeen sex workers already knew being HIV+ and 13 were under clinical care. Conclusion: percentage of syphilis testing among the interviewed was low. More frequent HIV testing may be related to the greater knowledge about this disease. Public laboratories are the main place for testing and antenatal care is a common reason for the exams. Many of the interviewed realized the test because recognized being at risk.

The genetic polymorphisms of DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR among female sex workers / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To determine the genetic polymorphisms of DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR among HIV negative Chinese female sex workers. Methods The 69 bp tandem repeat numbers in exon 4 of the DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR were examined by PCR in 234 HIV-1-seronegative female commercial sex workers. Results It was found that 4 of 234 individuals were heterozygous in DC-SIGN. For DC-SIGNR, the allele frequencies were seven times repeated in 65.2%, 5 in 18.4%, and 9 in 11.9%. Those patterns of alleles frequencies were significantly different compared with those reported in the Caucasians residing in Europe. Conclusion Polymorphisms of DC-SIGN repeat region seem to be infrequent in Chinese female sex workers and those of DC-SIGNR are different from what reported in other races.

Estimating the number of commercial sex workers in Nha Trang City

The total number of commercial sex workers (CSWs) in Nha Trang City is 910 (871-949, p<0.05). Within 910 CSWs, 444 are directly CSWs and 466 are indirectly CSWs that is estimated by province leaders. 'Capture-recapture' method is workable and useful in order to estimate CSWs.