Infection status among female sex workers in Guangdong Province from 2009 to 2013

Abstract:

ObjectiveTo analyze effect of the syphilis prevention and control work among female sex workers（FSWs）,and provide reference data for target intervention in Guangdong province.MethodsSyphilis prevalence among FSWs from 2009 to 2013 were analyzed statistically based on the data from Guangdong Provincial highrisk groups in sexually transmitted infection（STI） control program. ResultsA total of 34 338 FSWs were detected, including 23 816（69.36%）FSWs at the hightier venues, 8 811（25.66%） middletier, and 1 711（4.98%）low tier. The syphilis prevalence of  FSWs at high, middle, and lowtier venues in 2009 was 2.60%, 7.36%, and 10.54% respectively，and in 2013 was 1.45%,2.75%,and 21.88% respectively. Chisquare test showed a downward trend in the prevalence of syphilis among the high and middle tier FSWs  in 20092013(χ2=12.807,52.333 respectively, both P<0.001), and  remained high among FSWs at lowtier venues(χ2=0.027,P=0.87). The difference in syphilis prevalence in 2013 among FSWs from different types of venues was statistically significant  (χ2=190.64,P<0.001). No significant difference in syphilis prevalence was found among  FSWs from Pearl River Delta, eastern, western and northern Guangdong（χ2=5.24,P=0.07）. ConclusionSignificant difference is found in prevalence of syphilis among FSWs from different types of settings. FSWs from lowtier settings have a relatively lower syphilis testing rate but with higher infection rate.