HIV prevalence and risk behaviors of female sex workers in Khartoum, north Sudan

AIDS. 2010 Jul:24 Suppl 2:S55-60. doi: 10.1097/01.aids.0000386734.79553.9a.

Abstract

Objectives: To measure the prevalence of HIV and related risk behaviors among female sex workers (FSW) in Khartoum State in northern Sudan.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) that included 321 FSW in Khartoum from April to May 2008. A face-to-face interview was completed using a standardized questionnaire and blood was collected for HIV testing. Population point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were generated using RDSAT to adjust for the peer-referral recruitment patterns of RDS.

Results: HIV prevalence was 0.9% (95% CI 0.1-2.2). The majority (69.1%) had multiple clients in their last working day and 71.3% were married or cohabitating. A condom was used by 45.0% of respondents at their last sex with a client and consistently in the last month by 35.9%. Comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge was demonstrated by 25.4% of FSW. Only 7% of respondents had sought voluntary HIV counseling and testing in the preceding 12 months.

Conclusion: For the present, HIV prevalence among FSW in Khartoum appears lower than the previous estimates. However, conditions may foster wider transmission in the absence of concerted interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / blood
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • HIV-1*
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • Risk-Taking
  • Safe Sex / psychology*
  • Sex Work / psychology*
  • Sex Work / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data
  • Sudan / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult