Social characteristics, risk behaviours and differences in the prevalence of HIV/sexually transmitted infections between Spanish and inmigrant female sex workers in Catalonia, Spain

Background and objective: To describe and compare the social characteristics, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoae prevalences, and risk behaviours among immigrant female sex workers (FSW) according to their geographical area of origin. Material and method: Cross-sectional study in an opportunistic sample of FSW in Catalonia in 2005 using an anonymous questionnaire. Oral fluid and urine samples were collected to determine the prevalence of HIV and C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae, respectively. Results: Four hundred women participated in the study; 10.8% from Spain, 32.5% from Eastern Europe, 30.7% from Latin America, and 26% from Africa. The majority of them (95.5%) always used condoms during vaginal intercourse with clients, but only 12.4% with steady partners. Overall HIV, C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae prevalences were 1.8%, 5.5% and 0.6%, respectively. Spanish women injected drugs more frequently (9.3%), and used condoms less commonly (85.7% used condoms consistently) (p<0.05). We observed differences in HIV prevalence only (9.3% among Spanish FSW; p<0.01). Conclusions: To insist on consistent condom use with clients and steady partners has to become a prevention strategy. Spanish FSW need special attention because they reported less use of condoms and highest HIV prevalences. © 2007 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.