[HIV epidemic among female sex workers in Guinea: prevalence, associated risk factors, vulnerability and trend from 2001 to 2007]. / Epidémie du VIH chez les travailleuses du sexe en Guinée: prévalence, facteurs associés, vulnérabilité et tendances 2001-2007.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Estimate the associations between potential risk factors and HIV prevalence, as well as the trends from 2001 through 2007 of these indicators. Describe the vulnerability of female sex workers to in Guinea. METHODS: Female sex workers in Guinea were interviewed in 2001 (n = 339) and 2007 (n = 598) and then screened for HIV. This was a nationwide survey using a unique protocol. Associations between potential risk factors and HIV prevalence were tested, and their trends from 2001 through 2007 estimated, after adjustment using Generalized Estimating Equations. RESULTS: In 2001, HIV was associated with illiteracy (PR = 1.41; p = 0.2), and with genital ulcer symptom (PR = 1.89; p = 0.001). In 2007, it was associated with illiteracy (RP = 1, p = 0.03), and with older age (PR for 10 years = 1.29; p = 0.004). The profile of illiterate female sex workers included low price per sexual encounter in both 2001 and 2007, greater number of clients, and lesser exposure to HIV/Aids counselling in 2001. From 2001 to 2007, increases were noted for the number of clients by female sex workers (p < 0.0001), price per sexual encounter (p < 0.0001), condom use (p < 0.0001) and exposure to HIV/Aids counselling (p < 0.0001); decreases were noted for symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (p < 0.0001) and HIV prevalence among female sex workers aged less than 20 years (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: From 2001 through 2007, condom use and exposure to HIV/Aids counselling increased in Guinea while symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV prevalence declined. Nevertheless, illiterate female sex workers remained highly vulnerable.