Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among Women Working in Entertainment Venues in Jayapura-Papua, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are important transmittable infections in the world. They are transmitted mostly through sexual activity and contaminated blood exchange (needle). Key populations are the most affected groups in the world from these infections, one of the important key population is female sex worker (FSW). Although FSW is the most vulnerable group, but stigma, discrimination, poverty and less evidence based policy have been the reasons this group cannot get access to health care. Endocervical infections or also called cervicitis is common among FSW. This infection is commonly caused by Neissheria gonorrhoea and Chlamydia trachomatis, although infection of Mycoplasma genitalium in endo cervix also quite common. This study investigated the sensitivity and specificity of current test, the correlation between prevalence of endocervical infections with behavior and other routine test result among women working in entertainment venues in Jayapura. Aims of this study is to evaluate current STI-HIV screening test and to generate recommendation for stakeholders. Material and methods This study was using questionnaire which was adapted from several studies about FSW behaviour, and one of this study was conducted on national scope, the Integrated Biological and Behavioural Survey (IBBS) in 2011. The laboratory result was from routine screening test in the reproduction health centre (PKR) and additional PCR test for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis on endocervical sample. Participants of this study are women working in entertainment venues in Jayapura-Papua, Indonesia for at least three months. Results Among 176 participants who got tested for any endocercival test of N. gonorrhoea and C. trachomatis, 24.4 percent (n = 43) of participant had at least 1 endocervical infection. Among all participants, the percentage of STIs was 26.5 percent (n=50). On bivariate analysis; Age, marriage status, last education, number of clients in the last week, have standard education, have regular sexual male partner in the last 1 year, have history of vaginal discharge in the last 5 year, have regular HIV check, use hotel and or rent room/ working place as a place of sexual transaction were associated with any endocervical infection. On multiple logistic regression analysis age, marriage status and a past history of vaginal discharge are significantly related with any endocervical infection among participants.