PREVALENCE OF STD AND STD RELATED RISK FACTORS IN SEX WORKERS OF ADDIS ABABA

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The distribution and frequency of some Sills among 282 female sex workers in Addis Ababa randomly selected out of a larger group subjected to HIV serosurvey was studied. Demographic and social information, clinical examination including use of speculum and laboratory detection of Sill pathogens were performed following an informed consent of all participants. An alarmingly high prevalence of Sills was found in the study population. Gonorrhoea was detected in 78 subjects (30.1%), trichomoniasis in 62 (23.9% ), vaginal candidiasis in 51 (19.7% ) and out of 203 sera studied 76 (37.4% ) were positive for syphilis. The duration in sex work was found to have a significant association with seropositivity for syphilis (p < 0.001). Neither the marital status nor regular intake of oral pills influenced the prevalence of Sills. Further laboratory investigation on a broader panel of STDs along with KAPB studies for assessment and evaluation of social and behavioral determinants related to sex work are recommended.