RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are key reservoirs of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from which transmission to the general population fuels epidemics. STIs amplify HIV infectiousness and susceptibility. We determined the status of HIV and STIs among brothel-based FSWs in Jos as part of an ongoing prevention intervention. METHOD: Between January and May 2012, consenting consecutive brothel-based FSWs were recruited from previously designated brothels across Jos. HIV counseling and testing as well as screening for gonorrhoea, syphilis, trichomonasis, candidasis and Bacteria vaginosis (BV) were performed. Positive cases were provided free treatment and follow-up at Solat Women Hospital, Jos. Ethical clearance was obtained from Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) ethical committee. RESULT: Two hundred FSWs aged 27.6 ± 4.6 years (range 15-55 years) were recruited and of these, 47 (23.5%) were HIV Positive, 20 (10.0%) had syphilis, 9 (4.5%) had Neisseria gonorrhea, 3 (1.5%) had Trichomonas vaginalis and 86 (43.0%) had BV. The association between HIV and bacterial vaginosis was statistically significant (OR of 2.2, 95% CI of 1.1-4.2, P-value=0.02). In comparison to similar prevalence in 2006, the current findings represent 51.5% decline in HIV prevalence, 40.8% decline for syphilis and over 83.3% decline in prevalence for Trichomonas vaginalis. There was no significant change in the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoea and BV. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HIV and STIs among brothel-based FSWs in Jos remain unacceptably high, although, there is a declining trend. A comprehensive HIV prevention program targeting these women is required to block transmission to the general population.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Prevention of unintended pregnancies among HIV positive women is a key strategy in preventing the spread of the disease. Contraception is crucial to achieving this and consistent use of condom provides the dual advantage of prevention of pregnancy and reinfection with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The purpose of the study is to determine the contraceptive awareness among these women, the types of contraception being used as well as the prevalence and compliance with barrier contraception. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey using an interviewer-administered proforma among HIV positive women within the reproductive age group receiving prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) in Jos University Teaching Hospital. RESULT: A total of 140 questionnaires were administered and retrieved. One hundred and thirty nine women (99.3%) had contraceptive awareness. Ninety eight of them (70%) were using contraception, among which 95(96.9% of contraceptive use) were using condom. The condom prevalence rate in the whole population was 67.8% The pattern of contraception showed that 46 (46.9%) used condom alone, 49 (50%) used condom with other methods; among which condom and injectables constitutedthe largest group (41 women, 41.8%). Out of those using condom, 43 (43.2%) were using it consistently. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of contraception, the use of barrier contraceptive and the rate of the combined use of condom with other contraceptive method, underscores the contraceptive awareness of these women as a means of preventing unplanned pregnancies and prevention of re-infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
