[The prevalence of HIV and risk behavior of prostitutes living in 2 populous regions of Bujumbura (Burundi)]. / Prévalence du VIH et comportements à risque chez les prostituées vivant dans deux quartiers populeux de Bujumbura (Burundi).

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of HIV infection and associated high-risk behavior in female sex workers in two areas of Bujumbura (Bwiza and Musanga), Burundi. Between June 15th and July 15th 1993, 320 female sex workers responded to an anonymous questionnaire and gave a blood sample on filter paper for detection of HIV antibodies. The mean age of the prostitutes was 24.6 (+/- 5.9) years (range 15 to 46). The HIV infection rate was 42.2% (135 of the 320). Univariate analysis showed that the proportion of HIV-infected female sex workers was higher in the Musaga area than in Bwiza (48.3% versus 34.3%; p = 0.012). The prevalence of HIV infection increased with age (24.3% for those aged between 15 and 19; 40.8% for those aged between 20 and 24 and more than 51.4% infected in the over 25 age-group; p < 0.001). The median number of sexual partners in the preceding month was 3 (range 1 to 50) and was not correlated with HIV infection (Wilcoxon's test: p = 0.516). HIV infection was highly correlated with a previous history of STDs (62.7% versus 32.7%; p < 0.001) and was also correlated with STD symptoms (87.5% versus 51.7%; p = 0.01). The only factors correlated with HIV infection in multivariate analysis were age (p = 0.008; Trend's test) and previous history of STDs (p < 0.001). Only 40.2% (127 of 316) of the female sex workers had used condoms with their clients during the preceding month. Intervention strategies to combat HIV transmission among individuals with high levels of sexual activity in Burundi should focus on the female sex workers and their clients, particularly the manual laborers, drivers, soldiers, prisoners and other men who regularly use prostitutes. The prevention of HIV infection in individuals of high-risk groups is the best strategy to reduce HIV transmission in the general population of developing countries.