Title
Part-time female sex workers in a suburban community in Kenya: a vulnerable high-risk group
Document Type
Article
Department
Obstetrics and Gynaecology (East Africa)
Abstract
Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, female sex workers (FSWs) are a vulnerable high risk group for the acquisition and transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV.
Objectives: To study parameters of sexual behaviour and knowledge of STI and HIV, to describe health seeking behaviour related to STI, and to measure the prevalence of gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV-1, to provide baseline data for targeted STI and HIV prevention interventions.
Methods: In a cross sectional survey with snowballing recruitment, between February and March 2000, 503 self identified FSWs in a suburb in Mombasa, Kenya, were interviewed with a structured questionnaire and screened for gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV-1.
Results: The mean number of sexual partners in the previous week was 2.8 (SD 1.6). The mean number of non-regular clients and regular clients in the previous week was 1.5 (1.0) and 1.0 (0.9) respectively. The median weekly income from sex work was $US15. A total of 337 (67%) women had an alternative income in the informal sector. 146 (29%) and 145 (45%) never used a condom with a client and non-paying partner respectively. The prevalence of gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis was 1.8%, 4.2%, and 2.0% respectively. The overall HIV-1 seroprevalence was 30.6%.
Conclusions: There is a large need for intensive STI and HIV prevention interventions in part time FSW.
Publication ( Name of Journal)
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Recommended Citation
Hawken, M. P.,
Melis, R. D.,
Ngombo, D. T.,
Mandaliya, K.,
Ng’ang’a, L. W.,
Price, J.,
Dallabetta, G.,
Temmerman, M.
(2002). Part-time female sex workers in a suburban community in Kenya: a vulnerable high-risk group. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 78(4), 271-273.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_mc_obstet_gynaecol/440
Comments
This work was published before the author joined Aga Khan University.