Prevalence & Correlates of HIV Infection & Sexually Transmitted Infections in Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in Shanghai, China

In 2009, we examined HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in 750 female sex workers (FSWs) in Shanghai using a cross-sectional survey. 

Participants (mean age 27 years) were interviewed and tested for HIV and selected STIs. Prevalence was: HIV 0·13%, chlamydia 14·7%, gonorrhoea 3·5% and syphilis 1·3%. 

In a demographic multivariate model, younger age, higher income and originating from provinces other than Zhejiang and Shanghai were independently associated with STI. In a social and sexual behavioural model, women working in small venues with fewer clients per week, use of drugs, and higher price charged per sex act indicated a greater risk for STI. 

Although HIV appears rare in Shanghai FSWs, chlamydial infection is common, especially in women aged <25 years (prevalence 19·6%). Since STI and HIV share similar risk factors, preventive intervention measures should be implemented immediately based on the venues and characteristics of FSWs to prevent future spread of HIV.

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By: Remis RS1, Kang L2, Calzavara L1, Pan Q2, Liu J1, Myers T1, Ren J2, Tang X3; Shanghai Health District Research Group.

• 1Dalla Lana School of Public Health,University of Toronto,Toronto,Canada.
• 2Shanghai Centre for Disease Control and Prevention,Shanghai,People's Republic of China.
• 3Hongkou District Centres for Disease Control and Prevention,Shanghai,People's Republic of China.  

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