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Cai G, Liu Y, Zhuang J, Chen Z, Lu Y, Wu J, Hu Z, Zhang J, He F. Differences in socio-demographics status, risk behaviours, healthcare uptake and HIV/ sexually transmitted infections (STIs) between brothel-based and street-based female sex workers in Yunnan, China. Int J STD AIDS 2024:9564624241239480. [PMID: 38507707 DOI: 10.1177/09564624241239480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heterosexual contact is the primary mode of HIV transmission in China and commercial sex is thought to play a crucial role in China's epidemic. Female sex workers (FSWs) in China tend to be either brothel-based (BSWs) or street-based (SSWs), but few studies have investigated the differences between these important segments of this difficult-to-reach, high-risk population. Our aim was to explore the differences between SSWs and BSWs in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, sexual and risky practices, HIV/STI-related knowledge, health services, HIV/STI prevalence and other aspects. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Yunnan Province of China in partnership with a local FSW-friendly non-governmental organization. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire were conducted to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, sex work history, sexual behaviours, HIV/STI-related knowledge, HIV testing history, and healthcare services uptake. Blood samples were taken for HIV and syphilis testing, and urine samples for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate differences between SSWs and BSWs. RESULTS A total of 185 BSWs and 129 SSWs were included in the study. SSWs were older and less educated, had more dependents and more clients, lower condom use and accessed fewer healthcare services. Moreover, 37.2% of SSWs and 24.9% of BSWs were found to have HIV/STI infection. Unfortunately, the awareness related to STIs was relatively low in both groups, especially SSWs. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence that confirms the disproportionately high vulnerability of SSWs to HIV and other STIs, underscoring the urgent need for the Chinese health and public health sectors to prioritize outreach to SSWs. Awareness and educational programs, condom distribution, testing and health check-ups should be included in a comprehensive strategy for HIV/STI prevention in this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxi Cai
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki Prefectural Institute of Environment and Public Health, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yufen Liu
- National Centre for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China
| | - Jinman Zhuang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment Factors and Cancer, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Digital Institute of Tumor Big Data, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zishan Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment Factors and Cancer, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Digital Institute of Tumor Big Data, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yixiao Lu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiwen Wu
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment Factors and Cancer, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Digital Institute of Tumor Big Data, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Department of the Child-Adolescent and Maternal Care of Faculty of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Fei He
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment Factors and Cancer, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Digital Institute of Tumor Big Data, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Abu-Ba’are GR, Shamrock OW, Apreku A, Agbemedu GRK, Zigah EY, Ezechi OC, Nelson LE, Torpey K. Awareness and Willingness to use Condoms and Preexposure Prophylaxis among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Cisgendered Men who Have sex with men in Slum Communities in Ghana. BSGH-004. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2023; 22:23259582231209649. [PMID: 37933162 PMCID: PMC10631318 DOI: 10.1177/23259582231209649] [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] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Research has begun to examine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention strategies within the Ghanaian context. Still, little is known about specific populations such as gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men who have sex with men (GBMSM) living in slum communities. We studied HIV prevention strategies such as condoms and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in slum communities and the awareness and willingness to use these choices among GBMSM. This qualitative study examines HIV prevention strategies, specifically examining PrEP and condom use behaviors among GBMSM in Ghana. Methods: We conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews among 12 GBMSM from slums in Accra and Kumasi cities in Ghana. Data were analyzed through a summative content analysis with multiple reviewers to develop codes. Data were collected from participants in January 2022. Results: We found the fear and perceived risk of infection were motivators for consistent condom use, especially during anal sex. GBMSM living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy were more inclined to use condoms. We found motivations for using PrEP were influenced by the type of sexual activity and a history of negative HIV status. Also, the barriers to PrEP for GBMSM included limited access to healthcare facilities and the distance to these facilities. Conclusions: To improve condom and PrEP access and uptake, we recommend addressing structural barriers by increasing the number of health facilities and implementing targeted interventions to address the lack of information on HIV awareness and prevention. Involving peer educators may also effectively promote HIV prevention strategies, especially in communities with limited access to healthcare such as slums. Overcoming these access constraints could significantly enhance awareness and prevention of HIV, leading to improved health outcomes for GBMSM living in slum communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, USA
- Behavioral, Sexual and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Osman Wumpini Shamrock
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, USA
- Behavioral, Sexual and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, USA
| | - Amos Apreku
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | | | - LaRon E. Nelson
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kwasi Torpey
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Beckham SW, Mantsios A, Galai N, Likindikoki S, Mbwambo J, Davis W, Kerrigan D. Acceptability of multiple modalities of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among female sex workers in Tanzania: a mixed-methods study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058611. [PMID: 35977762 PMCID: PMC9389123 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Modalities of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention offer options to women at high risk including female sex workers (FSW). This study aimed to explore FSW's acceptability and preferences for oral pills, long-acting (LA) injectable and vaginal ring PrEP. DESIGN Sequential, explanatory, mixed methods. SETTING Iringa, Tanzania. PARTICIPANTS FSW aged above 18 were recruited from sex work venues using time-location sampling (n=496); HIV-uninfected (n=293) were included in this analysis. Subsequently, survey participants were recruited for in-depth interviews (n=10) and two focus group discussions (n=20). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES (1) Acceptability of PrEP (Do you personally think it would be worth it to you to take ART if it could prevent HIV?: yes/no) and (2) preference for LA injectable versus oral pills (If you personally were going to take ART to prevent HIV infection, would you prefer to take it in the form of a daily pill or an injection once every 3 months? Injection/pill). RESULTS Participants were (92%) unaware of PrEP but 58% thought it would be worth it to personally take PrEP. Acceptability of PrEP was significantly associated with higher social cohesion (aOR 2.12; 95% CI 1.29 to 3.50) and STI symptoms in the past 6 months (aOR 2.52; 95% CI 1.38 to 4.62). Most (88%) preferred LA vs oral PrEP. Qualitative findings revealed generally positive reactions to all types of PrEP, and they were viewed as a welcome backup to condoms. Participants had concerns about pills (burden of daily use, stigma from clients), and the vaginal ring (fear of client noticing and becoming suspicious, fear of infertility) and overall preferred LA-PrEP (less frequent use, easy to hide, belief in higher efficacy). CONCLUSIONS Offering multiple formulations of PrEP within the context of community-driven HIV prevention interventions among FSW may facilitate increased uptake and adherence. LA injectable PrEP may be a particularly preferred formulation among FSW. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02281578.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Wilson Beckham
- Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Noya Galai
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Samuel Likindikoki
- Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Jessie Mbwambo
- Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Wendy Davis
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Deanna Kerrigan
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
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Guure C, Afagbedzi S, Torpey K. Willingness to take and ever use of pre-exposure prophylaxis among female sex workers in Ghana. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e28798. [PMID: 35119051 PMCID: PMC8812709 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a drug taken by people who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative and at increased risk of acquiring HIV. It's an effective intervention for HIV prevention. This study seeks to report on the prevalence and determinants of willingness to take and ever use of PrEP among female sex workers (FSW) in Ghana.The data analyzed was obtained from the Integrated Bio-behavioral Surveillance Survey conducted across the 16 regions of Ghana in 2020. Analysis was only performed on FSW who were tested negative to HIV and were sexually active. All included variables were described using medians, percentages, and graphs. Bayesian adjusted odds ratios and 95% credible intervals were estimated using a Bayesian generalized linear model via the binomial family of distributions under the logit link function.Of the 5107 FSW with complete data on willingness to use PrEP, 2737 (53.59%) reported their willingness to take PrEP. Out of the 998 respondents who have ever heard of PrEP only 64 (6.39%) have ever used PrEP. The median age of the respondents was 25 years. People with no comprehensive knowledge of HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome as well as those who entered into the FSW business at age less than 25 years; 946 (34.56%) and 2181 (79.65%) respectively were more willing to take PrEP. FSW from 6 out of the 16 regions of Ghana have never used PrEP. A statistically significant difference between those who entered the sex work at age less than 25 years and those within 25 to 34 years was observed. About 23% of FSWs who had been screened for Sexually Transmitted Infections were more likely to take PrEP.Respondents with lesser age and no comprehensive knowledge of HIV were more willing to take PrEP. The willingness to accept PrEP among FSWs in Ghana is modest. However, utilization is low. Advocacy or intervention programs are required to improve uptake of PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Guure
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - Seth Afagbedzi
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwasi Torpey
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
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Yuan D, Yin Y, Chen J, Lu J, Zhou Y, Fu G, Wang B. Acceptability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J STD AIDS 2022; 33:218-231. [DOI: 10.1177/09564624211042308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV infection is a popular, contemporary research topic. We retrieved PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Wanfang, CNKI, and Sinomed databases, and related websites to identify studies both in Chinese and English, which reported the acceptability of PrEP in China. A total of 3203 citations were retrieved, of which 54 were included. We found that the acceptability varied widely across the country, ranging from 19.1% to 94.6%, and the pooled estimate was 66.8% (95% CI: 62.0%–71.3%). Higher acceptability of PrEP was associated with the following factors: individuals with a lower educational degree, higher income, non-discriminatory attitude towards AIDS or AIDS patients, self-perceived high HIV risk, feeling that PrEP should be promoted, familiarity with PrEP, history of HIV testing, history of anal intercourse, consistent condom use, higher number of sexual partners. The main reasons for not using PrEP are doubting its validity, fear of potential side effects and financial burden, and fear of stigma for using PrEP. This review found that the acceptance in China was moderate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defu Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yueqi Yin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianshuang Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of STD/AIDS Prevention and Control, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of STD/AIDS Prevention and Control, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Gengfeng Fu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of STD/AIDS Prevention and Control, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Yan L, Yan Z, Wilson E, Arayasirikul S, Lin J, Yan H, McFarland W. Awareness and Willingness to use HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Trans Women in China: A Community-Based Survey. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:866-874. [PMID: 32989576 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03050-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
China's national guidelines call for increasing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use to reverse the epidemic in populations at highest risk. However, few data exist on PrEP awareness and willingness among trans women in China. Our research aim was to fill this data gap through a cross-sectional survey among trans women in Nanjing and Suzhou cities of Jiangsu province. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit participants to gauge their awareness of and willingness to use PrEP. Logistic regression analysis was used to characterize associations with awareness of PrEP and willingness to use PrEP. Of 222 HIV-negative/unknown serostatus trans women, 33.3% were aware of PrEP and 49.1% were willing to use PrEP. PrEP awareness was associated with a university degree or above (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.77, 95% CI 1.31-5.89) and not using alcohol with sex (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.00-4.09). Willingness to use PrEP was higher among trans women with one (AOR 3.56, 95% CI 1.68-7.54) or multiple sexual partners (AOR 2.53, 95% CI 1.24-5.15) compared to those with no partners. This study witnessed low awareness of PrEP, yet substantial willingness to use PrEP. Implementation research to identify ways to promote, scale up access, and assess effectiveness of PrEP for trans women is urgently needed in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan
- Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zihan Yan
- University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | - Erin Wilson
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 710, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Sean Arayasirikul
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 710, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Jessica Lin
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 710, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Hongjing Yan
- Section of AIDS Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Willi McFarland
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 710, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA.
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Dong Z, Ma L, Cai C, Gao GF, Lyu F. Demographic features of identified PLWHA infected through commercial and nonmarital noncommercial heterosexual contact in China from 2015 to 2018: a retrospective cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:71. [PMID: 33441089 PMCID: PMC7807498 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05757-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the demographic characteristics of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) infected through commercial heterosexual contact (CHC) or nonmarital noncommercial heterosexual contact (NMNCHC) is important for HIV/AIDS prevention and control. METHODS Cases reported through the Chinese HIV/AIDS Case Reporting System (CRS) from 2015 to 2018 were analyzed. A descriptive and preliminary inferential analysis were performed for those demographic characteristics deemed of interest. RESULTS Overall, 523,121 identified PLWHA between 2015 and 2018 in the CRS were analyzed. The constituent ratio of heterosexual transmission increased from 66.25% in 2015 to 71.48% in 2018. The proportion of CHC heterosexual transmission decreased from 40.18% in 2015 to 37.99% in 2018, while that of NMNCHC increased from 46.33% in 2015 to 49.02% in 2018. PLWHA infected through NMNCHC were significantly younger than those who were infected through CHC (Student's t test, P < 0.0001), with an average age gap ranging from 5.63 (2015) to 7.46 (2018) years, and the average age of both groups increased annually. The frequency of newly identified PLWHA who were infected through CHC had a remarkable increase among the ages of 65 and above. Gender distribution was significantly different between CHC and NMNCHC (χ2 = 8909.00(2015), 9941.90(2016), 11,004.00 (2017), 12,836.00(2018), all P < 0.0001), and the ratio of men to women in the NMCHC group was 1.50:1 (2015), 1.51:1 (2016), 1.54:1 (2017), and 1.52:1 (2018), while in the commercial heterosexual contact (CHC) group, these ratios were 11.45:1 (2015), 12.08:1 (2016), 12.53:1 (2017), and 13.28:1 (2018). Marital status was significantly different between CHC and NMNCHC (χ2 = 94.67 (2015), 109.88(2016), 58.18(2017), 152.38(2018), all P < 0.0001). As the educational level improved, the proportion of NMNCHC also increased (Cochran - Armitage test, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS We found that heterosexual transmission was the primary mode of HIV transmission in China from 2015 to 2018. PLWHA infected through CHC and NMNCHC had different characteristics in age, gender, marital status, and educational level. The frequency of PLWHA infected through CHC increased substantially in the age group of 65 and above. This study provides useful baseline data for future studies on the heterosexual transmission of HIV in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilong Dong
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Liying Ma
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Chang Cai
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - George Fu Gao
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Fan Lyu
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, China.
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Wilson A, Wang YY, Chen R, Cen P, Wang Y, Yao X, Wang T, Li S, Yan H. A thematic analysis of experiences of HIV risks among female sex workers in the Yunnan-Vietnam Chinese border region. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2021; 21:7. [PMID: 33407384 PMCID: PMC7789185 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-020-01143-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background The Yunnan province is located near the “Golden Triangle” border region between China, Myanmar and Thailand, which has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in China. Female sex workers (FSWs) in the Yunnan province are highly vulnerable to HIV infection. The objective of this study was to examine the experiences of FSWs in the Yunnan to better understand the risk of infection and the potential for transmission of HIV. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted between May 2018 and June 2018 with 20 FSWs recruited in Hekou County, Yunnan Province, China. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes that highlighted increased exposure of FSWs to the risk of HIV infection and transmission. Results The findings showed that FSWs’ primary source for HIV information was gynecologists, with few visiting the local HIV charity Red Ribbon. FSWs reported infrequent visits for check-ups with some seeing a gynecologist once a year. FSWs felt that the onus was on them to prevent STI/HIV infection by using a condom during sex, regardless of their ability to negotiate use. FSWs were also reluctant to see a gynecologists for treatment. Instead, they resorted to douching as a way of preventing HIV/STIs and treating vaginal health problems, such as leucorrhea. Most FSWs worked without the influence of alcohol and drugs. A small number of FSWs reported heroin addiction and injecting drug use. Conclusion The findings suggest a need for innovative HIV prevention strategies among FSWs and their clients in the Chinese border region. Governmental agencies should continue to implement practical strategies in terms of HIV prevention education and condom use through tailored interventions that are localized. Such strategies should include localized tailored interventions that dispel myths about douching as a method of HIV/STI prevention and incorporate a mobile outreach approach, similar to the ‘roadside restaurant’ outreach that has been successful in rural China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Wilson
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Yuan Yuan Wang
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Runsen Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ping Cen
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanning, Nanning, China
| | - Yuehui Wang
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Yuzhong District of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Xing Yao
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Wuhan, Wuhan, China
| | - Tang Wang
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiyue Li
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Yan
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Haldar P, Reza-Paul S, Daniel RA, Lazarus L, Rewari BB, Lorway R, Steen R. A rapid review of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV in the Asia-Pacific region: recommendations for scale up and future directions. Sex Health 2021; 18:31-40. [PMID: 33632382 DOI: 10.1071/sh20058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Decline in new HIV infections in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) continues to be slow, emphasising the importance of scaling up new HIV prevention strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). To help inform PrEP rollout in APAC, we conducted a rapid review of published literature on PubMed from 2015 to 2020, to assess feasibility, implementation strategies, cost-effectiveness, and availability of national policies and guidelines; for the latter, we also did an expanded Internet search. This review focussed on nine countries contributing >95% of new infections in this region. A total of 36 PrEP-related studies conducted among men who have sex with men, female sex workers, and transgender women were included, of which 29 were quantitative, six were qualitative and one was a mixed-method study. Most of the studies have addressed the availability and acceptability of PrEP, whereas cost-effectiveness of any approach was assessed by limited studies. Limited published information was available about national PrEP policies and guidelines; of the selected nine countries, five have adopted the recommended World Health Organization PrEP policy of which four have integrated it in their national HIV response. HIV risk perception concerns about safety, side-effects, stigma, and affordability were major challenges to PrEP acceptance. Community-based implementation has the potential to address these. Limited evidence suggested merging PrEP implementation with ongoing targeted intervention and treatment programs could be a cost-effective approach. To stem the epidemic, newer effective prevention strategies, like PrEP, should be urgently adopted within the context of combination HIV prevention approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partha Haldar
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Centre for Community Medicine, New Delhi, India
| | - Sushena Reza-Paul
- University of Manitoba, Institute for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and Corresponding author.
| | - Roy Arokiam Daniel
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Centre for Community Medicine, New Delhi, India
| | - Lisa Lazarus
- University of Manitoba, Institute for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Bharat Bhushan Rewari
- World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Robert Lorway
- University of Manitoba, Institute for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - R Steen
- Erasmus Medical Center, Department of Public Health, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
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HIV/AIDS Among Female Sex Workers in China: Epidemiology and Recent Prevention Strategies. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2020; 17:151-160. [PMID: 32030600 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-019-00477-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to describe the epidemiology of HIV among female sex workers (FSWs) in China over the past decade, to summarize current gaps in knowledge regarding risk factors, and to identify new directions for HIV prevention strategies. RECENT FINDINGS We summarized national and regional levels of HIV prevalence among FSWs based on reported rates in the literature from 2008 to 2018. Studies identified cases of HIV infection among FSWs in all but one province during this time period, and demonstrated a sporadic pattern in most provinces, with a low overall national HIV prevalence below 1%. However, in Yunnan and Guanxi Zhuang Autonomous Regions, the median-reported prevalence rates were close to or slightly above 1%. National prevention programs have widely promoted male condoms as a primary and practical measure for HIV prevention, but studies evaluating condom use practices among FSWs demonstrated wide variability. A rise in illicit use of synthetic drugs and changing sexual practices in the setting of sex work (e.g., anal sex) may represent newer risk factors for HIV transmission among FSWs; however, more data are needed to better characterize these trends. Limited studies have examined the feasibility and efficacy of innovative prevention tools (e.g., female condoms) or strategies (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP) to prevent HIV among FSWs. We call for a more comprehensive understanding of current trends in HIV risk among FSWs, as well as more research focuses on innovative strategies to reduce the spread of HIV in this vulnerable population.
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