Development of a HIV Prevention Program to Promote Condom Use Among Iranian Female Sex Workers: Application of An Intervention Mapping Approach.

We used an Intervention Mapping Approach (IMA) to derive multi-level HIV prevention strategies aiming to develop an HIV prevention intervention program among female sex workers (FSWs). We also aimed at pilot testing the effects of the IMA-based "HIV Prevention and Awareness Program (HIV-PAP)" on safe sex behaviors and its determinants among FSWs in Tabriz, Iran. To develop HIV-PAP, we conducted the six-step process of IMA. At Step 1, in a cross-sectional study, 140 FSWs were face-to-face interviewed. At Step 2, the program matrix was provided based on the importance and variability for identifying priority factors. At Steps 3 and 4, the methods and strategies for behavioral change were selected, and the HIV-PAP program components and materials were developed. At Steps 5 and 6, evaluation (as a pilot testing with Static-Group Comparison design) was conducted applying a pre-experimental study, in which 30 FSWs were assigned to intervention (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The intervention group participated in a two-month long program, and one month later, the initial questionnaires were completed by both groups. The respondents (M age: 33.4 years, SD: 9.7) acquired low score (less than 50%) in negotiating for condom use (49.8%) only, and moderate scores (50-65%) in perceived social support (61.6%) and knowledge (60.5%). Adjusted for other variables, the factors (R2 = 32.0%) associated with safe sex behaviors among FSWs were predisposing factors [self-efficacy (ß = 0.331), perceived norms (ß = 0.945), and perceived barriers (ß = 0.258)], condom use negotiation (ß = 1.386), and environmental factors (ß = 0.333). Our IM-based framework had an adequate fit index (χ2 = 130.8, CFI = 0.78). Looking for inter-group comparison after intervention, we found significant mean difference (MD) for knowledge (MD: 2.18; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) - .38 to 4.74, p < 0.05), self-efficacy to use condom (MD: 6.71; 95% CI - 1.85 to 9.29, p < 0.05), perceived risk (MD: 2.03; 95% CI 0.58, to 3.49, p < 0.05), perceived social support (MD: 4.64; 95% CI - 5.37 to 11.31, p < 0.01), and safe sexual behaviors (MD: 7.75; 95% CI - 4.19 to 9.71, p < 0.05). The HIV-PAP showed effectiveness in promoting safe sexual behaviors and their determinants among FSWs. Healthcare providers should better understand the determinants of safe sexual behaviors among FSWs in the settings with legal prohibitions for sex work. In such communities, they should try to either develop or adapt such stage-specific interventions, within which promoting the above-mentioned factors is the core priorities of the program.

A comprehensive assessment of quality management methods in the SMESH study.

BACKGROUND: This paper aims to instigate discussion and publication of methodologies applied to enhance quality management through comprehensive scientific reports. It provides a detailed description of the design, implementation, and results of the quality control program employed in the SMESH study. METHODS: Cross-sectional, multicenter, national study designed to assess the prevalence of human papillomavirus in sex workers and in men who have sex with men (MSM). Respondent-driven sampling recruitment was used. An online system was developed for the study and checkpoints were defined for data entry. The system checked the quality of biological samples and performed a retest with part of the sample. RESULTS: A total of 1.598 participants (442 sex workers and 1.156 MSM) were included. Fifty-four health professionals were trained for face-to-face data collection. The retest showed Kappa values ranging between 0.3030 and 0.7663. CONCLUSION: The retest data were mostly classified as indicating a strong association. The data generated by the checkpoints showed the successful implementation of the quality control program.

Prevalência e fatores de riscos relacionados a comportamentos suicidas em profissionais do sexo / Prevalencia y factores de riesgo relacionados con la conducta suicidal en trabajadores sexuales / Prevalence and risk factors related to suicidal behavior in sex workers

Introdução: O trabalho sexual consentido é, historicamente, permeado por estigmas, proporcionando a marginalização social de profissionais do sexo e sua maior exposição a fatores de riscos que tendenciam a condutas suicidas. Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência e dos fatores de riscos relacionados a comportamentos suicidas em profissionais do sexo, tendo em vista a vulnerabilidade social desse grupo. Metodologia: Este estudo é uma revisão integrativa de literatura, determinada a partir da seguinte questão de pesquisa: "Qual a prevalência e os fatores de riscos relacionados a comportamentos suicidas entre profissionais do sexo?". Em seguida, aplicou os subsequentes Descritores em Ciências da Saúde: "Suicide" e "Sex workers", que foram combinados com o operador booleano "AND", nas plataformas National Library of Medicine, Science Direct, Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe, Scientific Eletronic Library Online, BioMed Central, Business Source Completee WorldWideScience. Foram selecionados 19 artigos relacionados ao objeto de estudo. Resultados: A prevalência de suicídio em profissionais do sexo foi classificada em três subcategorias: tentativas de suicídio, com predominância de 31,57% (n=6), ideação suicida com 15,78% (n=3) e o risco de suicídio com 5,26% (n=1). Os riscos de comportamentos suicidas foram associados a diversos fatores, sobretudo a violência (47,36%; n=9), depressão (26,31%; n=5) e a pobreza (15,78%; n=3). Conclusões: Há uma alta prevalência de comportamentos suicidas em profissionais do sexo que está associada a diversos fatores de riscos, verificando a carência de abordagens comunitárias direcionadas à vulnerabilidade social desse grupo (AU).

Introduction: Consensual sex work has historically been permeated by stigma, leading to the social marginalization of sex workers and their increased exposure to risk factors that tend to correlate with suicidal behaviors. Objective:To explore the prevalence and risk factors related to suicidal behavior in sex workers, considering the social vulnerability of this group. Methodology: This study is an integrative literature review, guided by the research question: "What is the prevalence and risk factors related to suicidal behaviors among sex workers?" The following Health Science Descriptors were applied: "Suicide" and "Sex workers," combined with the boolean operator "AND," on platforms such as the National Library of Medicine, Science Direct, Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe, Scientific Eletronic Library Online, BioMed Central, Business Source Complete, and WorldWideScience. Nineteen articles related to the study's objectivewere selected. Results:The prevalence of suicide among sex workers were classified into three subcategories: suicide attempts, with a predominance of 31.57% (n=6), suicidal ideation with 15.78% (n=3) and the risk of suicide with a prevalence of 5.26% (n=1). The risks of suicidal behavior were associated with several factors, especially violence (47,36%; n=9), depression (26.31%; n=5) and poverty (15.78% /n=3). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of suicidal behaviors among sex workers, associated with various risk factors, highlighting the need for community-based approaches addressing the social vulnerability of this group (AU).

Introducción: El trabajo sexual consensuado ha estado históricamente impregnado de estigmas, llevando a la marginación social de los profesionales del sexo y a una mayor exposición a factores de riesgo que tienden a asociarse con conductas suicidas. Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo relacionados con comportamientos suicidas en profesionales del sexo, considerando la vulnerabilidad social de este grupo. Metodología: Este estudio es una revisión integradora de la literatura, derivada de la siguiente pregunta de investigación: "¿Cuál es laprevalencia y los factores de riesgo relacionados con comportamientos suicidas entre los profesionales del sexo?". Posteriormente, se aplicaron los siguientes Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud: "Suicide" y "Sex workers", combinados con el operador booleano "AND", en plataformas como la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina, Science Direct, Portal de Periódicos de la Coordinación de Perfeccionamiento de Personal de Nivel Superior, Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe, Scientific Electronic Library Online, BioMed Central, Business Source Complete y WorldWideScience. Se seleccionaron 19 artículos relacionados con el objeto de estudio. Resultados: La prevalencia de suicidio en profesionales del sexo se clasificó en tres subcategorías: intentos de suicidio, con una predominancia del 31,57% (n=6), ideación suicida con el 15,78% (n=3) y el riesgo de suicidio con el 5,26% (n=1). Los riesgos de comportamientos suicidas se asociaron con varios factores, especialmente la violencia (47,36%; n=9), la depresión (26,31%; n=5) y la pobreza (15,78%; n=3). Conclusiones: Existe una alta prevalencia de comportamientos suicidas en profesionales del sexo asociada con diversos factores de riesgo, destacando la necesidad de enfoques comunitarios dirigidos a la vulnerabilidad social de este grupo (AU).

Entre a cruz e a espada: dimensões do aparecimento em partilhas do sensível de travestis na prostituição durante a pandemia de covid-19 / Between a rock and a hard place: dimensions of appearance in the partition of the sensible of transvestite prostitutes during the covid-19 pandemic / Entre la cruz y la espada: dimensiones de la aparición en distribución de lo sensible de travestis en la prostitución durante la pandemia de covid-19

Este artigo tem como objetivo compreender as diferentes dimensões do aparecimento das travestis da Av. Pedro II, importante avenida da cidade de Belo Horizonte, durante a pandemia de covid-19. A partir de conceitos como partilhas do sensível e aparecimento foram analisados relatos das travestis, extraídos: a) do livro Translado - com o objetivo de contextualizar as rotinas pré-pandemia; b) de entrevistas realizadas por telefone em 2020; e c) de um grupo focal realizado em 2021 presencialmente. O método utilizado para sistematizar e analisar o material foi a montagem de cena, inspirada em Jacques Rancière. Os resultados indicam, por um lado, situações de humilhação, desigualdade e violência. Por outro, desvelam formas de subversão de hierarquias, estratégias de aparecimento e subjetivação política.

The article aims to understand the different dimensions of the appearance of transvestites during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study focused on transvestites located on Av. Pedro II, an important avenue in the city of Belo Horizonte. Based on concepts such as distribution of the sensible and appearance, reports by transvestites were analysed. They were extracted from: a) the book Translado ­ to contextualize pre-pandemic routines; b) interviews by telephone in 2020; and c) a face-to-face focus group carried out in 2021. The method used to systematise and analyse the material was scene montage, inspired by Jacques Rancière. The results indicate, on the one hand, situations of humiliation, inequality, and violence. On the other hand, they reveal forms of subversion of hierarchies, strategies of appearance and political subjectivati.

El artículo tiene como objetivo comprender las diferentes dimensiones del aparecimiento de los travestis de la Av. Pedro II, una importante avenida de la ciudad de Belo Horizonte, durante la pandemia de covid-19. A partir de conceptos como distribución de lo sensible y aparecimiento, se analizaron relatos de travestis, extraídos: a) del libro Translado ­ con el objetivo de contextualizar rutinas prepandemia; b) de entrevistas realizadas medio de telefóno en 2020; y c) de un grupo focal realizado en 2021 de forma presencial. El método utilizado para sistematizar y analizar el material fue el montaje de escena, inspirado en Jacques Rancière. Los resultados indican, por un lado, situaciones de humillación, desigualdad y violencia. Por otro lado, revelan formas de subversión de jerarquías, estrategias de aparición y subjetivación política.

Experience of social harms among female sex workers following HIV self-test distribution in Malawi: results of a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In Malawi, female sex workers (FSW) have high HIV incidence and regular testing is suggested. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a safe and acceptable alternative to standard testing services. This study assessed; whether social harms were more likely to be reported after HIVST distribution to FSW by peer distributors than after facility-based HIV testing and whether FSW regretted HIVST use or experienced associated relationship problems. METHODS: Peer HIVST distributors, who were FSW, were recruited in Blantyre district, Malawi between February and July 2017. Among HIVST recipients a prospective cohort was recruited. Interviews were conducted at baseline and at end-line, 3 months later. Participants completed daily sexual activity diaries. End-line data were analysed using logistic regression to assess whether regret or relationship problems were associated with HIVST use. Sexual activity data were analysed using Generalised Estimating Equations to assess whether HIVST use was temporally associated with an increase in social harms. RESULTS: Of 265 FSW recruited and offered HIVST, 131 completed both interviews. Of these, 31/131(23.7%) reported initial regret after HIVST use, this reduced to 23/131(17.6%) at the 3-month follow-up. Relationship problems were reported by 12/131(9.2%). Regret about HIVST use was less commonly reported in those aged 26-35 years compared to those aged 16-25 years (OR immediate regret-0.40 95% CI 0.16-1.01) (OR current regret-0.22 95% CI 0.07 - 0.71) and was not associated with the HIVST result. There was limited evidence that reports of verbal abuse perpetrated by clients in the week following HIVST use were greater than when there was no testing in the preceding week. There was no evidence for increases in any other social harms. There was some evidence of coercion to test, most commonly initiated by the peer distributor. CONCLUSIONS: Little evidence was found that the peer distribution model was associated with increased levels of social harms, however programmes aimed at reaching FSW need to carefully consider possible unintended consequences of their service delivery approaches, including the potential for peer distributors to coerce individuals to test or disclose their test results and alternative distribution models may need to be considered.

Vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) / Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among adolescent girls and young women in India: A rapid review.

Limited evidence is available on the vulnerability of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) to sexual risk behaviour and STI/HIV. Though there are almost no statistics available on vulnerability, related literature suggests that AGYW have low awareness about sexual risk behaviour/ transmission and the prevalence of STI/HIV, making them vulnerable. We conducted a rapid review of peer-reviewed studies addressing transmission network, prevalence, incidence awareness, common determinants of sexual risk behaviour/STI/HIV, health-seeking behaviour and existing interventions addressing the situation among AGYW (age 15-24) to inform the evidence gap in this crucial area of research. We registered the study in PROSPERO (CRD42023403713). We developed detailed inclusion/exclusion criteria, searched JSTOR, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Population Council Knowledge Commons databases and followed the guidance from Cochrane Rapid Review to develop the rapid review. We also searched the bibliography of the included studies. We included the English language peer-reviewed quantitative, qualitative, mixed method studies published from Jan 1 2000 to Mar 31 2023. Six reviewers extracted data, and the seventh reviewer independently assessed the quality. Ninety-six studies met the inclusion criteria. We used descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis methods for data analysis. We also conducted a Risk of Bias Assessment (RoB) to check the quality of the included studies. Inadequate literature was found on the transmission network. Prevalence and awareness of STI/HIV are low among AGYW. However, Female Sex Workers, sex-trafficked women or drug users in this age group suffer more. Age, education, income, relationship dynamics with spouses/partners, multiple partners, and substance use are crucial in determining STI/HIV. Traditional sources of health seeking are more popular than formal sources because of social stigma. Mass media campaigns, community mobilization programs, and life skills training programs increase awareness about HIV, condom use and self-efficacy. The inclusion of only English language studies and not conducting meta-analysis because of high heterogeneity are some of the limitations of the study.

Analysis of influencing factors of HPV vaccination willingness of female sex workers in urban entertainment venues based on the IMB model in Guangxi, China.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding HPV vaccination willingness and its influencing factors among female sex workers (FSWs) in entertainment venues in an urban area of Guangxi, China. METHODS: From 15 August to 15 October 2022, FSWs in entertainment venues with commercial sex trade in an urban area of Guangxi were selected as the study subjects for the questionnaire survey using the method of intentional sampling. The questionnaire based on the information-motivation-behavior (IMB) skills model was used to collect the basic characteristics, HPV and HPV vaccine-related information and cognition, motivation to vaccinate, behavioral skills and willingness to vaccinate from the research targets. A multifactor logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing the research targets' willingness to receive HPV vaccination. RESULTS: Of the 921 research targets, 712 (77.31%) were willing to receive HPV vaccination. The higher the level of knowledge regarding HPV and HPV vaccine-related information, the higher the motivation for HPV vaccination. In addition, the higher the behavioral skills score, the higher the willingness of FSWs in entertainment venues to receive HPV vaccination (P<0.001). FSWs in entertainment venues with lower venue grades [OR(95% CI)=0.693 (0.539, 0.891), P=0.004] were more reluctant to receive HPV vaccination. Those who favored the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing the disease [OR(95% CI)=2.144 (1.449, 3.174), P<0.001] and those who had heard of HPV vaccine [OR(95% CI)=2.105 (1.451, 3.054), P<0.001], were able to perceive the benefits of HPV vaccination [OR(95% CI)=1.134 (1.045, 1.230), P=0.002]. These individuals acquired greater behavioral skills i.e., self-decision making for HPV vaccination [OR(95% CI)=1.130 (1.008, 1.267), P=0.036] and self-efficacy [OR(95% CI)=1.135 (1.081, 1.191), P<0.001] and they were more willing to receive HPV vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: There was a relatively high HPV vaccination willingness among FSWs in entertainment venues in an urban area of Guangxi, China. Attention should be focused on introducing the benefits of primary prevention measures such as the HPV vaccine for individuals and behavioral skills for HPV vaccination in order to increase their willingness to be vaccinated thus increasing their HPV vaccination rate.

Costs and scale-up costs of community-based Oral HIV Self-Testing for female sex workers and men who have sex with men in Jakarta and Bali, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: The proportion of individuals who know their HIV status in Indonesia (66% in 2021) still remains far below the first 95% of UNAIDS 2030 target and were much lower in certain Key Populations (KPs) particularly Female Sex Workers (FSW) and Male having Sex with Male (MSM). Indonesia has implemented Oral HIV Self-testing (oral HIVST) through Community-based screening (HIV CBS) in addition to other testing modalities aimed at hard-to-reach KPs, but the implementation cost is still not analysed. This study provides the cost and scale up cost estimation of HIV CBS in Jakarta and Bali, Indonesia. METHODS: We estimated the societal cost of HIV CBS that was implemented through NGOs. The HIV CBS's total and unit cost were estimated from HIV CBS outcome, health care system cost and client costs. Cost data were presented by input, KPs and areas. Health care system cost inputs were categorized into capital and recurrent cost both in start-up and implementation phases. Client costs were categorized as direct medical, direct non-medical cost and indirect costs. Sensitivity and scenario analyses for scale up were performed. RESULTS: In total, 5350 and 1401 oral HIVST test kits were distributed for HIV CBS in Jakarta and Bali, respectively. Average total client cost for HIV CBS Self testing process ranged from US$1.9 to US$12.2 for 1 day and US$2.02 to US$33.61 for 2 days process. Average total client cost for HIV CBS confirmation test ranged from US$2.83 to US$18.01. From Societal Perspective, the cost per HIVST kit distributed were US$98.59 and US$40.37 for FSW and MSM in Jakarta andUS$35.26 and US$43.31 for FSW and MSM in Bali. CONCLUSIONS: CBS using oral HIVST approach varied widely along with characteristics of HIV CBS volume and cost. HIV CBS was most costly among FSW in Jakarta, attributed to the low HIV CBS volume, high personnel salary cost and client cost. Future approaches to minimize cost and/or maximize testing coverage could include unpaid community led distribution to reach end-users, integrating HIVST into routine clinical services via direct or secondary distribution and using social media network.

Differences in STI/HIV Burden and Sexual Health Care-Seeking Behavior Among First- and Second-Generation Migrant and Western-Born Male Sex Workers Who Have Sex With Men in the Netherlands: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Globally, migrant sex workers have a higher burden of sexually transmitted infections (STI)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This large study aimed to assess demographics, STI/HIV burden, and sexual health care-seeking behavior of first-generation migrant and second-generation migrant male sex workers who have sex with men (MSW-MSM) versus Western-born MSW-MSM. METHODS: Coded STI clinic consultations (n = 6970) from 3116 individual MSW-MSM attending any Dutch STI clinic between 2016 and 2021 were included. First-generation migrant: born outside of northern/central/southern/western Europe/North America/Oceania. Second-generation migrant: ≥1parent born outside of northern/central/southern/western Europe/North America/Oceania. Multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed associations between MSW-MSM groups and STI in first consultation in the data. A Cox proportional hazard regression compared the incidence of a first repeat consultation between migration groups, stratified by STI in first consultation. All analyses were adjusted for age and urbanity of STI clinic region. RESULTS: First-generation migrant MSW-MSM (n = 1085) were mostly born in Latin America (50%), whereas second-generation migrant MSW-MSM (n = 368) mostly originated from North Africa (30.4%). The proportion of STI diagnoses differed (33.2%, 29.3%, 23.3%; P < 0.001) between the first-generation migrant, second-generation migrant, and Western-born MSW-MSM. First-generation migrant MSW-MSM versus Western-born had an adjusted odds ratio of 1.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.3-1.9) of STI diagnosis in the first consultation. First-generation migrant MSW-MSM versus Western-born had an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.3-1.8) of having a first repeat consultation at any time, when stratified for no STI in the first consultation. CONCLUSIONS: The STI/HIV burden is high among all 3 MSW-MSM groups. First-generation migrants have higher odds of STI, but retention in care seems similar. Results highlight the importance of low-threshold STI testing and care for (migrant) MSW-MSM.

HIV knowledge, self-perception of HIV risk, and sexual risk behaviors among male Tajik labor migrants who inject drugs in Moscow.

BACKGROUND: The interplay of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge and self-perception of risk for HIV among people who inject drugs is complex and understudied, especially among temporary migrant workers who inject drugs (MWID) while in a host country. In Russia, Tajik migrants make up the largest proportion of Moscow's foreign labor. Yet, HIV knowledge and self-perceived risk in association with sexual risk behavior among male Tajik MWID in Moscow remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: This research examines knowledge about HIV transmission, self-perception of HIV risk, and key psychosocial factors that possibly contribute to sexual risk behaviors among male Tajik labor MWID living in Moscow. METHODS: Structured interviews were conducted with 420 male Tajik labor MWID. Modified Poisson regression models investigated possible associations between major risk factors and HIV sexual risk behavior. RESULTS: Of the 420 MWID, 255 men (61%) reported sexual activity in the last 30 days. Level of HIV knowledge was not associated in either direction with condom use or risky sexual partnering, as measured by sex with multiple partners or female sex workers (FSW). Lower self-perceived HIV risk was associated with a greater likelihood of sex with multiple partners (aPR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.34, 2.40) and FSW (aPR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.59), but was not associated with condom use. Police-enacted stigma was associated with sex with multiple partners (aPR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.49) and FSW (aPR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.54). While depression and lower levels of loneliness were associated with condomless sex (aPR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.24; aPR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.92, respectively), only depression was associated with condomless sex with FSW (aPR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.54). CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevention programing for male Tajik MWID must go beyond solely educating about factors associated with HIV transmission to include increased awareness of personal risk based on engaging in these behaviors. Additionally, psychological services to counter depression and police-enacted stigma are needed.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Risks and Symptoms Heightened Among Female Sex Workers who Started Selling Sex Before the Age of 18 in Five Cities in Cameroon.

Many adolescents under 18 years old who sell sex are at elevated risk for sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition, which may persist into adulthood. There has been limited study of the burden of the risks and vulnerabilities among women who started selling sex as adolescents across Sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, a Adult female sex workers (FSW) recruited through respondent-driven sampling in five cities in Cameroon from December 2015 to October 2016 completed a questionnaire and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis testing. Multivariable logistic regression analysis controlling for age was used to identify factors associated with reporting selling sex before age 18. Selling sex before age 18 was reported by 11.5% (256/2,220) of FSW. Initiation of selling sex as an adolescent was positively associated with experiencing dysuria (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.08-2.10) or genital warts (aOR:1.78, 95% CI:1.08-2.94) and negatively associated with prior recent testing for HIV (aOR:0.71, 95% CI:0.53-0.96) or STIs (aOR:0.65, 95% CI:0.44-0.96). Consistent condom use with clients was negatively associated with early initiation of selling sex (aOR:0.58, 95% CI:0.42-0.80), while experience of recent sexual violence was positively associated with early initiation (aOR:1.74, 95% CI:1.15-2.63). There were no independent significant differences in HIV (24.5%) or syphilis (8.3%) prevalence. Given the limited use of HIV and STI testing services by women who sold sex as adolescents, the prevalence of forced sex, condomless sex, and STI symptoms were high. Programs serving FSW should more vigorously aim to serve adolescents and adults who began selling sex early.

Surviving pandemic control measures: The experiences of female sex workers during COVID-19 in Nairobi, Kenya.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kenya Ministry of Health instituted movement cessation measures and limits on face-to-face meetings. We explore the ways in which female sex workers (FSWs) in Nairobi were affected by the COVID-19 control measures and the ways they coped with the hardships. Forty-seven women were randomly sampled from the Maisha Fiti study, a longitudinal study of 1003 FSWs accessing sexual reproductive health services in Nairobi for an in-depth qualitative interview 4-5 months into the pandemic. We sought to understand the effects of COVID-19 on their lives. Data were transcribed, translated, and coded inductively. The COVID-19 measures disenfranchised FSWs reducing access to healthcare, decreasing income and increasing sexual, physical, and financial abuse by clients and law enforcement. Due to the customer-facing nature of their work, sex workers were hit hard by the COVID-19 restrictions. FSWs experienced poor mental health and strained interpersonal relationships. To cope they skipped meals, reduced alcohol use and smoking, started small businesses to supplement sex work or relocated to their rural homes. Interventions that ensure continuity of access to health services, prevent exploitation, and ensure the social and economic protection of FSWs during times of economic strain are required.

Childhood and adolescent factors shaping vulnerability to underage entry into sex work: a quantitative hierarchical analysis of female sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya.

OBJECTIVE: To explore factors associated with early age at entry into sex work, among a cohort of female sex workers (FSWs) in Nairobi, Kenya. BACKGROUND: Younger age at sex work initiation increases the risk of HIV acquisition, condom non-use, violence victimisation and alcohol and/or substance use problems. This study aimed to understand factors in childhood and adolescence that shape the vulnerability to underage sex work initiation. DESIGN: Building on previous qualitative research with this cohort, analysis of behavioural-biological cross-sectional data using hierarchical logistic regression. PARTICIPANTS AND MEASURES: FSWs aged 18-45 years were randomly selected from seven Sex Workers Outreach Programme clinics in Nairobi, and between June and December 2019, completed a baseline behavioural-biological survey. Measurement tools included WHO Adverse Childhood Experiences, Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test and questionnaires on sociodemographic information, sexual risk behaviours and gender-based violence. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were conducted using hierarchical modelling. RESULTS: Of the 1003 FSWs who participated in the baseline survey (response rate 96%), 176 (17.5%) initiated sex work while underage (<18 years). In the multivariable analysis, factors associated with entering sex work while underage included incomplete secondary school education (aOR=2.82; 95% CI=1.69 to 4.73), experiencing homelessness as a child (aOR=2.20; 95% CI=1.39 to 3.48), experiencing childhood physical or sexual violence (aOR=1.85; 95% CI=1.09 to 3.15), young age of sexual debut (≤15 years) (aOR=5.03; 95% CI=1.83 to 13.79) and being childless at time of sex work initiation (aOR=9.80; 95% CI=3.60 to 26.66). CONCLUSIONS: Lower education level and childhood homelessness, combined with sexual violence and sexual risk behaviours in childhood, create pathways to underage initiation into sex work. Interventions designed for girls and young women at these pivotal points in their lives could help prevent underage sex work initiation and their associated health, social and economic consequences.

Prevalence and Genotypic Diversity of Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Male and Female Sex Workers in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cancer. Female sex workers (FSWs) are known to be at risk for HPV, but little is known about male sex workers (MSWs). METHODS: We examined HPV prevalence and associated risk factors in both populations. During 2022, HPV testing using vaginal or penile samples, HIV testing, and interviews were performed among 100 MSWs and 100 FSWs in Chiang Mai, Thailand. RESULTS: The prevalence of all HPV types was 63.5% (66% in MSW, 61% in FSW), HPV-16 prevalence was 14%, HPV-52 was 13%, and HPV-18 was 4%. There was no difference between MSW and FSW for these subtypes. The prevalence of HPV-16 or HPV-18 was 17%, and for HPV-16, HPV-18, or HPV-52, it was 26%. HIV-positive participants had a higher prevalence of all HPV types (94% vs. 60%, P = 0.004), HPV-16 or HPV-18 (39% vs. 15%, P = 0.018), and HPV-16, HPV-18, or HPV-52 (50% vs. 23%, P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated an equally high HPV prevalence across the sexes. Further studies are needed to determine if this indicates an equal risk for cancer. Increased HPV awareness, screening, and vaccination should be considered, regardless of gender.

Preferences for oral-fluid-based or blood-based HIV self-testing and provider-delivered testing: an observational study among different populations in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on client preferences for different HIV self-testing (HIVST) and provider-delivered testing options and associated factors. We explored client preferences for oral-fluid-based self-testing (OFBST), blood-based self-testing (BBST) and provider-delivered blood-based testing (PDBBT) among different populations. METHODS: At clinics providing HIV testing services to general populations (1 urban, 1 rural clinic), men seeking voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC, 1 clinic), and female sex workers (FSW, 1 clinic), clients had the option to test using OFBST, BBST or PDBBT. A pre-test questionnaire collected information on demographics and testing history. Two weeks after collecting a self-test kit, participants responded to a questionnaire. We used logistic regression to determine predictors of choices. We also conducted 20 in-depth interviews to contextualise quantitative findings. RESULTS: May to June 2019, we recruited 1244 participants of whom 249 (20%), 251 (20%), 244 (20%) and 500 (40%) were attending urban general, rural, VMMC and FSW clinics, respectively. Half (n = 619, 50%) chose OFBST, 440 (35%) and 185 (15%) chose BBST and PDBBT, respectively. In multivariable analysis comparing those choosing HIVST (OFBST and BBST combined) versus not, those who had never married aOR 0.57 (95% CI 0.34-0.93) and those previously married aOR0.56 (0.34-0.93) were less likely versus married participants to choose HIVST. HIVST preference increased with education, aOR 2.00 (1.28-3.13), 2.55 (1.28-5.07), 2.76 (1.48-5.14) for ordinary, advanced and tertiary education, respectively versus none/primary education. HIVST preference decreased with age aOR 0.97 (0.96-0.99). Urban participants were more likely than rural ones to choose HIVST, aOR 9.77 (5.47-17.41), 3.38 (2.03-5.62) and 2.23 (1.38-3.61) for FSW, urban general and VMMC clients, respectively. Comparing those choosing OFBST with those choosing BBST, less literate participants were less likely to choose oral fluid tests, aOR 0.29 (0.09-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Most testing clients opted for OFBST, followed by BBST and lastly, PDBBT. Those who self-assessed as less healthy were more likely to opt for PDBBT which likely facilitated linkage. Results show importance of continued provision of all strategies in order to meet needs of different populations, and may be useful to inform both HIVST kit stock projections and tailoring of HIVST programs to meet the needs of different populations.

Cervical cancer screening programs for female sex workers: a scoping review.

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common neoplasia affecting women worldwide. Female sex workers (FSWs) are among those at highest risk of developing and succumbing to CC. Yet, they are often overlooked in CC screening programs and have limited access to CC healthcare globally. The development of CC screening programs for this high-risk target population is necessary to reduce the global burden of this disease and to reach the World Health Organization's objective of accelerating the elimination of CC. Objective: This review summarizes findings on CC screening programs for FSWs that have been implemented worldwide, and assesses their effectiveness and sustainability. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A literature search was performed on PubMed, Swisscovery, and Google Scholar for studies describing and assessing CC screening programs for FSWs. In addition, targeted searching online Non-Governmental and International Organizations websites identified grey literature. A single reviewer screened titles and abstracts, and extracted data from the research findings. Results: The search identified 13 articles published from 1989 to 2021. All implemented programs successfully reached FSWs and provided them with CC screening during the study period. The most effective and sustainable strategies were the Screen and Treat approach, introducing CC screening into existing STI services in drop-in or outreach clinics, HPV-DNA self-sampling, and integrating sex-workers-specific services in public health facilities. Follow-up was deemed the main challenge in providing and enhancing CC healthcare to FSWs with rates of loss to follow-up ranging from 35 to 60%. Conclusion: FSWs are often omitted in national CC screening programs. The further development and improvement of CC healthcare, including follow-up systems, for this high-priority target population are imperative.

Cervical cancer screening in former sex workers in ex-localization area.

Despite the lack of commercial sex activities as the localization has been shut down since 2014, former commercial sex workers (CSW) could be at risk for cervical cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of cervical cancer using early detection with Papanicolaou (Pap) smears in former CSW in this ex-localization area. This study was conducted with purposive sampling intended to be limited to former CSW and women who still live around this ex-localization area as a control group. This study included 76 women, 52.6% of whom were former CSW. Pap smear results showed no pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix in any of the participants. Comparisons between the CSW and control groups showed no differences in Pap smear results. Infection findings were found in 36.1% of CSW group. Early detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA is necessary for identifying risk factors for cervical cancer in these populations.

Young women who sell sex in Bangui, Central African Republic: a neglected group highly vulnerable to HIV.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to determine the association between the vulnerability factors linked to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infection among the young women who sell sex (YWSS) group (15-24 years) and adult sex workers, engaged in consensual sex for money (AFSW). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among AFSW involved in commercial sex transactions. Prevalence ratios (PR) analysis was carried out using log-binomial regression model. RESULTS: The prevalence of HIV-1 was 29.4% among YWSS compared to 19.6% among female sex worker (PR = 1.43 [1.07-1.91]). Consistent condoms use last 3 months were very low at 22.3% and 41.2%, respectively (PR = 0.52 [0.37-0.74]), the low education level among YWSS versus AFSW (PR = 0.55 [0.40-0.76]); YWSS having been a victim of sexual violence in the last 12 months (PR = 2.00 [1.52-2.63]), were also more likely to be HIV positive. CONCLUSIONS: The YWSS had a high prevalence of HIV, experienced other socioeconomic vulnerabilities and remain a key population for comprehensive HIV programs. To reach all YWSS, programs need to consider many outreach programs and address the shared determinants of HIV risk.

Establishing a surveillance system on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of key populations (KPs) at risk of compromised outcome of SRHR- A protocol for a mixed-method study.

BACKGROUND: Key populations (KPs) who are at risk of compromised situation of sexual and reproductive health and rights in Bangladesh constitute including males having sex with males, male sex workers, transgender women (locally known as hijra) and female sex workers. Globally, these key populations experience various sexual and reproductive health and rights burdens and unmet needs for ailments such as sexually transmitted infections including Neisseria Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia Trachomatis and human papillomavirus. Most key population focused interventions around the world, including Bangladesh, primarily address human immune deficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections-related concerns and provide syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections, other sexual and reproductive health and rights issues are remained overlooked that creates a lack of information in the related areas. There is currently no systematic research in Bangladesh that can produce representative data on sexual and reproductive health and rights among key populations, investigates their sexual and reproductive health and rights needs, how their needs evolve, and investigate underlying factors of sexual and reproductive health and rights issues that is crucial for informing more sexual and reproductive health and rights-friendly interventions for key populations. Keeping all these issues in mind, we are proposing to establish a sexual and reproductive health and rights surveillance system for key populations in Bangladesh. METHOD: The sexual and reproductive health and rights surveillance system will be established in Dhaka for males having sex with males, male sex workers and transgender women, and the other in Jashore for female sex workers. The duration will be for 3 years and data will be collected twice, in year one and year two adopting a mixed method repeated cross-sectional design. All key populations 15 years and above will be sampled. Behavioural data will be collected adopting a face-to-face technique and then biological samples will be collected. Those who will be found positive for human papillomavirus, will be referred to a government hospital for treatment. Free treatment will be provided to those who will be found positive for other sexually transmitted infections. In total, 2,240 key populations will be sampled. Written assent/consent will be taken from everyone. Data will be entered by Epi-Info and analysed by Stata. Report will be produced in every year. DISCUSSION: This surveillance system will be the first of its kind to systematically assess the situation of sexual and reproductive health and rights among selected key populations in Bangladesh. It is expected that this study will provide insights needed for improving the existing sexual and reproductive health and rights intervention modalities for these vulnerable and marginalized key populations.

Low Behavioral Intention to Use Any Type of HIV Testing and HIV Self-Testing among Migrant Male Factory Workers Who Are at High Risk of HIV Infection in China: A Secondary Data Analysis.

This study investigated the prevalence of and factors associated with behavioral intention to take up any type of HIV testing and HIV self-testing (HIVST) in the next six months among male migrant workers, who were at high risk of HIV infection, in Shenzhen, China. This was a secondary data analysis. A total of 363 subjects who had sexual intercourse with non-regular female sex partners and/or female sex workers in the past six months were selected. Logistic regression models were fitted for data analysis. About 16.5% of participants reported having used HIV testing in their lifetime and 12.7% for HIVST. Among the participants, 25.6% and 23.7% intended to take up any type of HIV testing and HIVST in the next six months, respectively. Significant factors associated with the behavioral intention to take up HIV testing and HIVST included individual-level factors based of the Health Belief Model (e.g., perceived benefit, perceived cue to action, perceived self-efficacy) and interpersonal-level factors (e.g., frequency of exposure to health-related content or HIV and STI-related content on short video apps). This study provided practical implications for designing interventions to increase the uptake of HIV testing and HIVST among migrant workers.