The effect of drop-in centers on access to HIV testing, case finding, and condom use among female sex workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background: Varied HIV prevention interventions involving multiple strategies has been instrumental in the effort to contain and lessen the prevalence of HIV around the globe. However, female sex workers (FSWs) often face stigma and discriminatory challenges, resulting in lower access to the HIV prevention initiatives. This study has aimed to assess the effect of one of the HIV service delivery models, the Drop-in Centers (DICs), which is designed to overcome the service uptake barriers of FSWs. Method: A quasi-experimental study design was employed. A respondent-driven sampling technique was used to recruit 1,366 FSWs from January to June 2020. A propensity score matching technique was used to balance the potential confounders between FSWs who had access to DICs and those who had never accessed DICs. Comparisons of the effect of DIC on the outcome of interest was made using a logit regression model at a 5% level of significance. Results: A total of 1,366 FSWs took part in the study. The analysis estimated the average treatment effects of access to DICs on four key outcomes: ever-testing to know HIV status, finding HIV-positive FSWs, awareness of HIV-positive status, and consistent condom use. A significant effect of DIC was seen at a 95% confidence interval on each outcome. Access to DIC produced a 7.58% increase in the probability of testing to know HIV status (P < 0.001), a 7.02% increment in finding HIV-positive FSWs (P = 0.003), an increase of 6.93% in awareness of HIV status among HIV positive FSWs (P = 0.001), and a 4.39% rise in consistent condom use (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Ensuring access of FSWs to DICs has led to an upsurge in HIV testing among FSWs, raising HIV status awareness among those who are HIV positive, and encouraged consistent condom use. To provide effective HIV prevention services, particularly to those FSWs living with HIV, it is essential to strengthen the services provided in DICs and expand the centers. This will ensure that the entire network of FSWs is reached with appropriate HIV prevention services.

Correction: Prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B and C virus infections among female Sex workers in Ethiopia: Results of the national biobehavioral Survey, 2020.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269510.].

Determinants of sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Ethiopia: a count regression model approach.

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health problem worldwide, with the burden of these infections being high among female sex workers (FSWs), who are often not aware of their infection status. This study aimed to determine the factors that are associated with the number of STIs among FSWs in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional bio-behavioral study involving respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was conducted among 6,085 FSWs in 16 towns in Ethiopia. The hurdle Poisson regression model was fitted using STATA Version 16.2. The incident rate ratio and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were employed to show the strength and direction of the association. A p-value of ≤0.05 was used as a threshold for statistical significance. Results: At least one STI was identified in 1,444 (23.64%) of the FSWs. Age group 35-49 years [IRR = 2.32; 95% CI (1.43, 3.74)], forced first sex [IRR = 1.32; 95% CI (1.01, 1.74)], condom breakage [IRR = 1.32; 95% CI (1.01, 1.74)], and a history of depression [IRR = 1.55; 95% CI (1.12, 2.18)] increase the number of STIs. FSWs aged 25-34 years [AOR = 2.99; % CI (2.54, 3.52)] and 35 = 59 years [AOR = 8.05; % CI (6.54, 9.91)], who were selling sex for 5-10 years [AOR = 1.30; 95% CI (1.1, 1.55)], and above 11 years [AOR = 1.21; 95% CI (1.03, 1.43)] were more likely to get STIs. Conclusion: STIs are common in Ethiopia. The covariates age, educational status, monthly income, condom failure, age at the first sexual encounter, and long duration of sexual practice are significant predictors of STIs. Health interventions among FSWs need to include awareness generation about the prevention and control of STIs and address the determinants identified in this analysis.

Prevalence of syphilis and associated factors among female sex workers in Ethiopia: findings from a multilevel analysis of a national bio-behavioral survey.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection posing a significant public health challenge, especially in developing countries, including sub-Saharan Africa. Female sex workers are exposed to sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, because of their sexual behavior and limited access to health services. However, data on national syphilis prevalence estimates and the associated factors are scarce in Ethiopia. This, as well as our limited knowledge about the extent of clustering among female sex workers in the country, is a critical gap in information we aimed to fill through this analysis. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional, bio-behavioral survey conducted among female sex workers in six cities and ten major towns in Ethiopia. Participants were selected using a respondent-driven sampling method. Survey participants provided blood samples for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis serological testing. Survey data were collected via an interviewer-administered questionnaire. In this analysis, we employed descriptive statistics to summarize data on the study variables. In addition, we used multilevel bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models to examine the association between independent variables and the dependent variable (syphilis prevalence) while accounting for the clustering effect. RESULT: A total of 6085 female sex workers participated in the survey. Their median age [Interquartile Range (IQR) was 25 (8)] years, and a majority (96.1%) were in the 20-24-year-old age group. The prevalence of syphilis among female sex workers in Ethiopia's six cities and ten major towns was 6.2%. Being in the age group of 30-34 (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI = 1.40, 4.98) and 35-59 (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI = 2.5, 8.86), being divorced/widowed (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.03, 1.82), having no formal education (AOR = 3.38; 95% CI = 2.34, 5.11), primary 1st cycle (grades 1-4) education (AOR = 2.77; 95% CI = 1.79, 4.30), and having primary 2nd cycle (grades 5-8) education (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.21, 2.69) were significantly associated with syphilis among female sex workers. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of syphilis among female sex workers was high. Being divorced/widowed or in the older age group and having a low level of education were significantly associated with an increased risk of syphilis. The high prevalence and associated factors identified need to be considered in planning comprehensive interventions to control syphilis among female sex workers in Ethiopia.

Prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B and C virus infections among female Sex workers in Ethiopia: Results of the national biobehavioral Survey, 2020.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B and C virus infections are endemic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest prevalence of these infections in the world. Female sex workers are exposed to sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis B and C, because of their high-risk sexual behavior and limited access to health services. There are no large-scale data on the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections among female sex workers in Ethiopia, a critical gap in information this study aimed to fill. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, biobehavioral survey conducted from December 2019-April 2020 among 6085 female sex workers aged ≥15 years and residing in sixteen (16) regional capital cities and selected major towns of Ethiopia. Blood samples were collected from the participants for hepatitis B and C virus serological testing. The data were collected using an open data kits (ODK) software and imported into STATA version16 for analysis. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and proportions) were used to summarize data on the study variables. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the strength of association between independent variables (risk factors) and the outcome (hepatitis B and C virus infection). Adjusted Odd ratio (AOR) was used to determine independent associations, 95% confidence interval to assess precision of the estimates, and a P value ≤ 0.05 to determine statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections among the 6085 female sex workers was 2.6% [(95% CI (2.2,2.8)] and 0.5% [(95% CI (0.4,0.7)], respectively. Female sex workers who had 61-90 and ≥91 paying clients in the past six months [(AOR = 1.66; 95% CI, (0.99, 2.79); P = 0.054] and [(AOR = 1.66 95% CI, (1.11, 2.49); P = 0.013], respectively, age at first sex selling of 20-24 and >25 years [(AOR = 1.67; 95% CI, (1.14, 2.44); P = 0.009)] and [(AOR = 1.56; 95% CI (1.004, 2.43); P = 0.048)], respectively, known HIV positive status [(AOR = 1.64; 95% CI (1.03, 2.62); P = 0.036] were significantly associated with the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection. Similarly, hepatitis C was significantly associated with, age at first sex ≤15 years and age 16-20 years [(AOR = 0.21; 95%CI (0.07,0.61); P = 0.005)] and [(AOR = 0.18; 95% CI (0.061, 0.53); P = 0.002)], respectively, known HIV positive status [(AOR = 2.85; 95%CI (1.10,7.37); P = 0.031)] and testing positive for syphilis [(AOR = 4.38; 95% CI (1.73,11.11); P = 0.002)], respectively. CONCLUSION: This analysis reveals an intermediate prevalence of hepatitis B and a low prevalence of hepatitis C infection among female sex workers in Ethiopia. It also suggests that population groups like female sex workers are highly vulnerable to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted infections. There is a need for strengthening treatment and prevention interventions, including immunization services for hepatitis B vaccination, increasing HCV testing, and provision of treatment services.

Median duration and factors that influence the duration of symptom resolution in COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia: A follow-up study involving symptomatic cases.

Background: Understanding the clinical features of COVID-19 and duration for resolution of symptoms is crucial for isolation of patients and tailoring public health messaging, interventions and policy. Therefore, this study aims to assess the median duration of COVID-19 signs and symptoms' resolution and explore its predictors among symptomatic COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based prospective cohort study involving 124 COVID-19 cases was conducted at Eka Kotebe General Hospital, COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment Center. The study participants were all symptomatic COVID-19 adult patients admitted to the hospital from 18 March to 20 August 2020. Physicians at the centre recorded the data using a log sheet. Cox proportional-hazards regression model was conducted. Statistical significance was defined at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 124 symptomatic COVID-19 patients with a mean age of 42 years (±17) were involved in the study. The median duration of symptom resolution of COVID-19 was seven days with a minimum of two and a maximum of sixty-eight days. Sex and body mass index (BMI) were statistically significant predictors of the symptom resolution. The hazard of having delayed sign or symptom resolution in males was 55% higher than in females (P = 0.039; CI: 0.22-0.96) and the hazard of delayed sign or symptom resolution in those with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 was 35% higher than in those with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (P = 0.041; CI: 0.44-0.98]). Conclusions: The median duration of COVID-19 symptom resolution was seven days. Being male and/or having a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 were predictors of a delayed sign or symptom resolution time. Therefore, it is important to consider proportion of males and those with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 when preparing isolation and treatment centres. Males and individuals with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 shall also be given priority when shielding from the COVID-19.

Time to recovery and its predictors among adults hospitalized with COVID-19: A prospective cohort study in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Various factors may determine the duration of viral shedding (the time from infection to viral RNA-negative conversion or recovery) in COVID-19 patients. Understanding the average duration of recovery and its predictors is crucial in formulating preventive measures and optimizing treatment options. Therefore, evidence showing the duration of recovery from COVID-19 in different contexts and settings is necessary for tailoring appropriate treatment and prevention measures. This study aimed to investigate the average duration and the predictors of recovery from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among COVID-19 patients. METHOD: A hospital-based prospective cohort study was conducted at Eka Kotebe General Hospital, COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment Center from March 18 to June 27, 2020. The Center was the first hospital designated to manage COVID-19 cases in Ethiopia. The study participants were all COVID-19 adult patients who were admitted to the center during the study period. Follow up was done for the participants from the first date of diagnosis to the date of recovery (negative Real-time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCT) test of throat swab). RESULT: A total of 306 COVID-19 cases were followed up to observe the duration of viral clearance by rRT-PCR. Participants' mean age was 34 years (18-84 years) and 69% were male. The median duration of viral clearance from each participant's body was 19 days, but the range was wide: 2 to 71 days. Cough followed by headache was the leading sign of illness among the 67 symptomatic COVID-19 patients; and nearly half of those with comorbidities were known cancer and HIV/AIDS patients on clinical follow up. The median duration of recovery from COVID-19 was different for those with and without previous medical conditions or comorbidities. The rate of recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection was 36% higher in males than in females (p = 0.043, CI: 1.01, 1.85). The rate of recovery was 93% higher in those with at least one comorbidity than in those without any comorbidity. The risk of delayed recovery was not influenced by blood type, BMI and presence of signs or symptoms. The findings showed that study participants without comorbidities recovered more quickly than those with at least one comorbidity. Therefore, isolation and treatment centers should be prepared to manage the delayed stay of patients having comorbidity.

Diagnostic accuracy of HIV test kits, Genscreen Ultra and Bioelisa.

PURPOSE: Genetic diversities in different countries affect the performance of HIV test kits. Therefore, WHO recommends evaluation of every HIV test kit in countries' context before its use. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of Genscreen ULTRA HIV Ag-Ab and Bioelisa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study had used 400 characterized plasma samples obtained from CDC Atlanta bio-bank derived from Africa, USA, and Thailand. RESULTS: Diagnostic performance of both test kits under evaluation was assessed at 95% CI. Genscreen ULTRA HIV Ag-Ab had sensitivity and negative predictive value of 99.5% [95% CI, 97.2-99.9] and the specificity and positive predictive value of 98.5% [95% CI, 95.7-99.7]. Bioelisa HIV test kit had exhibited sensitivity and negative predictive value of 99% [95% CI, 96.4-99.7] and specificity and positive predictive value of 98.5% [95% CI, 95.7-99.7]. Both test kits were able to detect almost all samples with HIV-2, dual infections, and seroconversion. CONCLUSION: Both the test kits were highly sensitive and specific in detecting HIV. However, there are still few samples containing HIV antibody which were not identified by both kits. Therefore, additional screening measures should be done in using these assays for blood transfusion and organ transplantation. In addition, the study can be used as a reference by other African countries.