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Carvalho TMDS, Laurindo PDSDODC, de Araújo DO, Fonseca RRDS, Laurentino RV, Monteiro JC, Feitosa RNM, da Costa FAM, dos Santos LM, Oliveira-Filho AB, Machado LFA. Exposure to Treponema pallidum among Female Sex Workers: A Retrospective Study Conducted in the State of Pará, Brazilian Amazon. Pathogens 2024; 13:559. [PMID: 39057786 PMCID: PMC11279634 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syphilis remains a significant global public health issue, and female sex workers (FSWs) are highly vulnerable to the etiological agent of this disease. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of exposure to Treponema pallidum, as well as the vulnerability factors among FSWs in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon. METHODS A cross-sectional, retrospective study involving 360 FSWs from five cities in Pará was conducted from 2005 to 2007. Blood samples were collected for treponemal and non-treponemal testing, and epidemiological information was obtained through interviews. RESULTS The exposure rate to T. pallidum was 37.7% (136/360), and the majority of FSWs had serological results indicating past exposure (21.1%). Among the FSWs exposed to T. pallidum, most of them were single, aged 23 to 42 years old, had less than 8 years of schooling, and had a family income of between 1 and 3 minimum wages. They reported using condoms during sexual intercourse and had no history of sexually transmitted infection (STI). Furthermore, many of the FSWs exposed to T. pallidum reported having more than 20 sexual partners per month, and had partners from other Brazilian states, but not from other countries. An age over 42 years and a reduced level of education were factors associated with exposure to T. pallidum. Finally, a high rate of exposure to T. pallidum among FSWs in the Brazilian state of Pará (from 2005 to 2007) was detected. In later years, epidemiological studies conducted with FSWs recorded that this rate remained high. Measures to control, treat, and prevent syphilis among FSWs were necessary between 2005 and 2007, and they are still imperative today. Actions related to educational programs and STI control, treatment, and prevention measures contained in Brazilian policies aimed at women's health have not changed the vulnerability scenario of FSWs regarding their exposure to T. pallidum, even after 16 years, and must be reviewed and adapted to the conditions of the Brazilian Amazon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Mayara da Silva Carvalho
- Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (T.M.d.S.C.); (P.d.S.d.O.d.C.L.); (D.O.d.A.)
- Virology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (R.V.L.); (J.C.M.); (R.N.M.F.)
| | - Paula do Socorro de Oliveira da Costa Laurindo
- Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (T.M.d.S.C.); (P.d.S.d.O.d.C.L.); (D.O.d.A.)
- Virology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (R.V.L.); (J.C.M.); (R.N.M.F.)
| | - Diogo Oliveira de Araújo
- Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (T.M.d.S.C.); (P.d.S.d.O.d.C.L.); (D.O.d.A.)
- Virology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (R.V.L.); (J.C.M.); (R.N.M.F.)
| | - Ricardo Roberto de Souza Fonseca
- Virology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (R.V.L.); (J.C.M.); (R.N.M.F.)
| | - Rogério Valois Laurentino
- Virology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (R.V.L.); (J.C.M.); (R.N.M.F.)
| | - Jacqueline Cortinhas Monteiro
- Virology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (R.V.L.); (J.C.M.); (R.N.M.F.)
| | - Rosimar Neris Mantins Feitosa
- Virology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (R.V.L.); (J.C.M.); (R.N.M.F.)
| | - Fernando Augusto Miranda da Costa
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (F.A.M.d.C.); (L.M.d.S.)
| | - Leonardo Miranda dos Santos
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (F.A.M.d.C.); (L.M.d.S.)
| | - Aldemir Branco Oliveira-Filho
- Study and Research Group on Vulnerable Populations, Institute for Coastal Studies, Federal University of Pará, Bragança 68600-000, PA, Brazil;
| | - Luiz Fernando Almeida Machado
- Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (T.M.d.S.C.); (P.d.S.d.O.d.C.L.); (D.O.d.A.)
- Virology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (R.V.L.); (J.C.M.); (R.N.M.F.)
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Liang B, Zhang F, Ou Y, Zhang P, Bao L, Mo S, Nong A, Wei D, Wu Z, Xie H, Yang Y, Liu D, Liang H, Ye L. Prevalence, Trends and Correlates of HIV, Syphilis and HCV Infection Among Chinese Local and Cross-border Migrant Female Sex Workers in the Sino-Vietnam Border Area of Guangxi, 2016-2021. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1257-1269. [PMID: 37566152 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04153-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Female sex workers (FSWs) are considered a high-risk group for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, limited data exist on the prevalence and trends of HIV, syphilis and HCV among FSWs in the Sino-Vietnam border area. To determine the prevalence, trends and correlates of STIs among Chinese local FSWs (CL-FSWs) and cross-border migrant FSWs (CM-FSWs), we conducted consecutive cross-sectional surveys from 2016 to 2021, recruiting 7747 CL-FSWs and 932 CM-FSWs. The overall HIV, syphilis and HCV prevalence declined from 1.0%, 8.8% and 1.7% to 0.1%, 0.9% and 0.3%, respectively. There was no significant downward trend in the overall HIV and syphilis prevalence. However, HCV prevalence showed a decreasing trend among CL-FSWs. CM-FSWs had higher HIV prevalence (2.5% vs. 0.6%). Similarities and differences in STIs-related factors existed between CM-FSWs and CL-FSWs. For instance, receiving HIV-related services in the last year reduced the risk of HIV infection (for CM-FSWs: aOR = 0.234, 95% CI: 0.055-0.993; for CL-FSWs: aOR = 0.182, 95% CI: 0.058-0.567). Serving male clients at least 50 years old increased the risk of syphilis infection (for CM-FSWs: aOR = 4.277, 95% CI: 1.535-11.917; for CL-FSWs: aOR = 1.404, 95% CI: 1.087-1.815). Moreover, CM-FSWs with past-year STIs history had a higher risk of HIV (aOR = 34.976, 95% CI: 5.338-229.176) and HCV infection (aOR = 17.649, 95% CI: 1.846-168.846), both of which were associated with multiple factors in CL-FSWs. It is therefore necessary to develop effective, accessible, high-quality and targeted interventions for CM-FSWs and CL-FSWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Fei Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Yanyun Ou
- Chongzuo Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongzuo, Guangxi, 532200, China
| | - Peidong Zhang
- Fangchenggang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fangchenggang, Guangxi, 538000, China
| | - Lijuan Bao
- Chongzuo Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongzuo, Guangxi, 532200, China
| | - Shide Mo
- Fangchenggang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fangchenggang, Guangxi, 538000, China
| | - Aidan Nong
- Chongzuo Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongzuo, Guangxi, 532200, China
| | - Dongmei Wei
- Chongzuo Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongzuo, Guangxi, 532200, China
| | - Zhenxian Wu
- Chongzuo Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongzuo, Guangxi, 532200, China
| | - Hai Xie
- Fangchenggang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fangchenggang, Guangxi, 538000, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Deping Liu
- Chongzuo Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongzuo, Guangxi, 532200, China.
| | - Hao Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
| | - Li Ye
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
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Kaur W, Balakrishnan V, Zhi Wei IN, Chen AYY, Ni Z. Understanding Women's Knowledge, Awareness, and Perceptions of STIs/STDs in Asia: A Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2643. [PMID: 37830681 PMCID: PMC10572356 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11192643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to conduct a scoping review to collect current literature on the knowledge, awareness, and perception (KAP) of sexually transmitted infections/diseases (STIs/STDs) among women in Asia. METHODOLOGY The PRISMA-Scoping methodology was used in this study to extract papers from four databases published between 2018 and 2022. Sixty-eight articles were included after screening and elimination. RESULTS The studies on KAP of STIs/STDs among women were largely undertaken in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam) and South Asia (India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh). Regardless of the specific cohort of women studied, research indicates consistently low levels of knowledge and awareness across Asia. This trend seems to be more prevalent among female commercial sex workers, women with lower educational levels, and those in poorer socioeconomic positions. In South Asia, cultural, sociological, economic, and gender inequalities, particularly male domination, all have a significant impact on KAP levels. CONCLUSION As education is a major factor that influences health behaviour, this review underscores the need to allocate more resources to educational initiatives, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as sex workers, transgender women, pregnant women, and rural housewives. This strategic focus may contribute significantly to preventing STIs/STDs, particularly in less developed regions/countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wandeep Kaur
- Faculty of Information Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia;
| | - Vimala Balakrishnan
- Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Ian Ng Zhi Wei
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (I.N.Z.W.); (A.Y.Y.C.)
| | - Annabel Yeo Yung Chen
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (I.N.Z.W.); (A.Y.Y.C.)
| | - Zhao Ni
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06477, USA
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Systematic Review of Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence in the WHO Western Pacific Region. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071548. [PMID: 35891529 PMCID: PMC9320901 DOI: 10.3390/v14071548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review aimed to identify hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence estimates among the general population and six key populations (people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, sex workers, prisoners/detainees, Indigenous people, and migrants) in the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region (WHO WPR). METHODS Original research articles published between 2016 and 2020 were identified from bibliographic databases. Publications were retrieved, replicas removed, and abstracts screened. Retained full texts were assessed and excluded if inclusion criteria were not met. Methodological quality was assessed using the Johanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for prevalence data. Data on HCV exposure and active infection were extracted and aggregated and forest plots generated for each population by country. RESULTS There were no HCV prevalence estimates in any population for more than half of WPR countries and territories. Among the 76 estimates, 97% presented prevalence of exposure and 33% prevalence of active infection. General population viraemic prevalence was 1% or less, except in Mongolia. Results confirm the endemic nature of HCV among people who inject drugs, with estimates of exposure ranging from 30% in Cambodia to 76% in Hong Kong. CONCLUSIONS Countries require detailed knowledge of HCV prevalence in diverse populations to evaluate the impact of efforts to support WHO HCV elimination goals. Results provide baseline estimates from which to monitor and evaluate progress and by which to benchmark future elimination efforts.
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