PREVALENCE OF HIV AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITED INFECTIONS AMONG SEX WORKERS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among commercial sex workers (SWs) in Ibadan Oyo State of Nigeria to estimate rates of HIV infection and sexually transmitted infection (STIs) and document their sexual behaviour patterns from December 2008 to December 2009. SWs were recruited by the random sampling technique and were interviewed at their working environments anonymously. This strategy resulted in high rates of response (89%) and concordance (93%) to sensitive questions. A total of 312 SWs were enrolled. SWs were positive for anti-bodies to HIV in oral fluids (prevalence of HIV infection, 1.6% and0.3%, respectively). A history of STIs was reported by 38% of the SWs. Most SWs (68%) reported inconsistent condom use. Five percent of SWs recognized their clients as drug users. A few SWs (1.5%) were injecting drug users, of whom 2 reported incidents of sharing needles/syringes with other injecting drug users. Inconsistent use of condoms and a high level of STIs underscore the urgent need to implement intervention strategies and use of female condom promotion, particularly among sex workers in Nigeria.