HIV prevalence and risk factors among fishermen in Sihanouk Ville, Cambodia.

We assessed HIV antibody and risk exposures in a cross-sectional sample of 446 fishermen in Sihanouk Ville, a port and fishing area in Cambodia, where high HIV prevalence has been found in sentinel surveillance studies. HIV prevalence was 16.1%, and was highest among unmarried men (17.3%) compared with married (14.6%). Men who stayed in port over one day had a significantly higher prevalence of HIV (31.7%) than those in port for

High prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections among indirect sex workers in Cambodia.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to assess the baseline prevalence of and risk factors for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among beer girls enrolled in a behavioral intervention in Battambang, Cambodia. METHODS: Ninety-two of 114 women participated in baseline interviewing, HIV/STI testing, and STI treatment. Blood specimens were tested for syphilis and HIV infection. Self-administered vaginal swabs were tested for trichomonas, bacterial vaginosis (BV), gonorrhea, and chlamydia infections. RESULTS: HIV prevalence was 26%. STI prevalences were: 14% chlamydia, 12% trichomonas, 3% gonorrhea, and 0% syphilis. The prevalence of BV was 43%. A history of sex work was reported by 82%. Consistent condom use with clients was reported by 39%. Increased number of partners and symptoms of STI were significantly associated with HIV infection. DISCUSSION: These data suggest high sexual risk among beer girls in Cambodia. Targeted and frequent HIV and STI interventions are urgently needed in this population.