Search

Little information is available on the prevalence of herpes simplex type-2 (HSV-2) antibodies among groups at potential high risk of HIV in Asia. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of HSV-2 antibodies and correlates of HSV-2 infection in female sex workers (FSWs) in border provinces of Vietnam. Nine hundred and four FSWs in five border provinces of Vietnam were interviewed about selected sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics, and information about partners by a standard interview schedule. Serological samples were collected for HSV-2 antibodies, syphilis and HIV. The overall prevalence of HSV-2 antibodies was 27.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.8-30.7%). The prevalence of HSV-2 in southern provinces (Dong Thap 32.3%, An Giang 33.3% and Kien Giang 29.9%) was higher than that in the central (Quang Tri 20.8%) and northern border areas (Lai Chau 5.0%). In multivariate analysis, Kinh ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.59, P = 0.02), direct sex work (OR = 1.61, P = 0.01), >/=9 clients/week (OR = 2.11, P = <0.001), ever worked outside Vietnam (OR = 2.12, P = 0.05), >1 pregnancy termination (OR = 1.58, P = 0.05), syphilis (OR = 5.19, P = <0.001) and HIV (OR = 2.68,P = 0.01) were associated with HSV-2. Age

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of HIV and associated risk factors among female sex workers (FSWs) in border provinces of Vietnam., Methods: 911 FSWs in five border provinces of Vietnam (Lai Chau, Quang Tri, Dong Thap, An Giang, and Kien Giang) were enrolled in a cross sectional study. Subjects were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire about selected sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics, history of STIs, and information about their cohabiting partners (husbands or live-in partners). Serological tests were done for HIV and syphilis (TPHA+RPR) and urine tests (PCR) for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Associations between HIV and selected features of FSWs and their partners were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis., Results: Overall, the prevalence of HIV among FSWs in the five provinces of Vietnam was 4.5%. The prevalence of HIV was higher in the southern border regions (4.0%-7.0%) than the northern (2%) and central (1%) regions. In multivariate analysis between HIV and selected features of FSWs, income < or =$33/month (OR 2.36, p = 0.04), age of first sex < or =15 (OR = 5.48, p = 0.005), and > or =9 clients per week (OR 2.80, p = 0.018) were associated with HIV infection. Positive syphilis serology achieved a borderline significant association with HIV (OR 2.30, p = 0.095). Having a regular non-paying partner (OR = 0.35, p = 0.060) was a borderline protective factor for HIV., Conclusion: Interventions to limit HIV transmission among FSWs in Vietnam should be implemented early and focus on young poor populations in these border areas.