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Correlation Between HIV and Sexual Behavior, Drug Use, Trichomoniasis and Candidiasis Among Female Sex Workers in a Mekong Delta Province of Vietnam

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Abstract

To determine the prevalence of HIV and correlates of HIV infection among female sex workers (FSWs) in Soc Trang province, Vietnam, a survey of 406 FSWs in Soc Trang province was conducted between May and August, 2003. The participants were interviewed, using a standardized interview, to obtain information about socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics, and gynecologic and sexually transmitted infection (STI) history. The prevalence of HIV was 3.3%. An increased risk for HIV was associated with ever using illicit drugs, direct sex work, early sexual debut, age of FSWs, and infection with candidiasis and trichomoniasis. Reduced likelihood of HIV was only associated with withdrawal as a contraceptive method. A strong association of HIV with drug use and candidiasis and trichomoniasis infection among FSWs was found. Needle/syringe exchange, STI treatment, and methadone programs targeting FSWs should be implemented, and should include 100% condom use promotion.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by Service Laïque de Coopération au Développement, Belgium, and partially supported by NIH Fogarty International Center grant D43 TW000013. This work could not have been achieved without the help and support of all the staff involved, particularly: Dr. Huu Ngoc Tran, Dr. San Hoang Le, Ms. Phuong Kim Thi Tran, Mr. Phuc Duy Nguyen, and Dr. Tram Thu Thi Luong (The AIDS Programme of the Pasteur Institute, Ho Chi Minh City); Dr. Toan Minh Le (Soc Trang Center for HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention); Drs. An Ngoc Tran and The Thi Nguyen (Soc Trang Center for Social Diseases); Dr. Truc Thanh Thi Le and Dr. Thuc Van Nguyen (Hospital for Dermato-Venereology, Ho Chi Minh City); and Marie-Claire Rabier (SLCD, Belgium). We also thank Wendy Aft (UCLA Department of Epidemiology) and Boi-Thanh Thuc Nguyen for editing assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pasteur Institute, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Thuong Vu Nguyen, Nghia Van Khuu & Lien Xuan Thi Truong

  2. Department of Health, Soc Trang, Vietnam

    Phong Hoai Truong

  3. Center for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Soc Trang, Vietnam

    Anh Phuong Nguyen

  4. Department of Epidemiology, UCLA School of Public Health, 71-269 CHS, Box 951772, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA

    Thuong Vu Nguyen & Roger Detels

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  1. Thuong Vu Nguyen
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  2. Nghia Van Khuu
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  3. Phong Hoai Truong
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  4. Anh Phuong Nguyen
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  5. Lien Xuan Thi Truong
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  6. Roger Detels
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Correspondence to Roger Detels.

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Nguyen, T.V., Khuu, N.V., Truong, P.H. et al. Correlation Between HIV and Sexual Behavior, Drug Use, Trichomoniasis and Candidiasis Among Female Sex Workers in a Mekong Delta Province of Vietnam. AIDS Behav 13, 873–880 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-008-9499-5

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