The prevalence and risk factors of human papillomavirus in female sex workers.

OBJECTIVE: Human papillomavirus virus (HPV) is the major causative factor for cervical cancer, and sex workers are at high risk for HPV infection. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of HPV infection among female sex workers (FSWs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 239 brothel-based FSWs who work in Izmir, Turkey. A self-administered questionnaire for risk factors was completed, and cervical brush samples were taken for HPV detection and typing. HPV detection and typing were performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse hybridization methods. The risk factors related to HPV infection were determined by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of HPV among FSWs was 20.1%. HPV18 was the most common type (40%), followed by HPV16 (17%) and HPV50 (15%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that being less than 30 years of age, having a high frequency of sexual contacts, smoking, and lack of condom use were significantly associated with HPV infection. CONCLUSION: FSWs have a high prevalence of HPV infection and are at increased risk for cervical cancer. As they are a priority group for active follow-up, national strategies for reducing HPV among FSWs and regular cervical cancer screening programs should be implemented for this population.

Knowledge and awareness of female sex workers towards human papillomavirus infection in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and awareness of female sex workers (FSWs) about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Turkey. METHODS: 239 brothel-based FSWs were recruited for an interview. A questionnaire was completed by face to face interview. The demographic features, the level of knowledge, and awareness about HPV infection of the participants were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 152 (63.6%) were over 30 years of age, and 210 (87.9%) completed primary education. 122 FSWs (50.9%) were using condom, and about one third had high frequency of sexual contacts. Knowledge scores were < OR =4 in 181 (75.7%) FSWs. Low education and higher age group were not significant predictors of low knowledge scores. Low education was not an independent risk factor for awareness but higher age group participants were significantly less aware of risks associated with HPV infection (p = 0.019) although overall score was very poor (0.60 +/- 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge and awareness about HPV infection and its possible consequences (cervical cancer) as well as the utility of screening methods among FSWs in Turkey are extremely poor. HPV-focused educational programmes for targeted populations, e.g. FSWs and young adults prior to their sexual activity, should be launched urgently to increase awareness of the risks associated with HPV infection and thus reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in Turkey in the future.