Sexually Transmitted Infections
Volume 74, Issue 2, 1998, Pages 131-135

Characteristics associated with prevalent HIV infection among a cohort of sex workers in Cameroon (Article) (Open Access)

Ryan K.A.* , Roddy R.E. , Zekeng L. , Weir S.S. , Tamoufé U.
  • a Family Health International, Durham, NC, United States, Family Health International, PO Box 13950, Durham, NC 27709, United States
  • b Family Health International, Durham, NC, United States
  • c Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
  • d Family Health International, Durham, NC, United States
  • e Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Abstract

Objective: To determine prevalence of HIV infection in a cohort of female sex workers in Cameroon, and to describe characteristics associated with HIV infection in this population. Methods: In a cross sectional study, 2260 female sex workers in Cameroon were interviewed and screened for HIV serostatus. A standardised questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics and sexual and health behaviours. Results: Seropositive participants (18%) were more likely to be over age 25, have four or more children, live in Yaounde or Douala for 5 years or less, solicit clients in their homes or on the street, have a low educational level, earn a weekly income of less than $24, and have no other occupation outside of sex work. A logistic regression model of selected sociodemographic characteristics indicated that women at particularly high odds of HIV infection were older, poorer, and new immigrants to their city of residence. Conclusion: This seroprevalence study found a lower HIV prevalence than had been previously reported. Although our results are different, this group is still at much higher risk of HIV infection than the population as a whole.

Author Keywords

Cameroon HIV seroprevalence Sex workers Cross sectional study

Index Keywords

education age female major clinical study Cameroon priority journal enzyme linked immunosorbent assay adult Human immunodeficiency virus infection prostitution seroprevalence demography Article immunoblotting income human Health Behavior Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0031968538&doi=10.1136%2fsti.74.2.131&partnerID=40&md5=c7a1c26f6eea792e42373b1ee57c05e2
DOI: 10.1136/sti.74.2.131
ISSN: 13684973
Cited by: 7
Original Language: English