HIV prevalence and risk behaviors among female sex workers from 2011 to 2013 in Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam

Abstract

        The study is conducted annually in Ho Chi Minh City to assess the prevalence of HIV/STI among female sex workers (FSWs) in the community and monitor trend measurement of proportion of female sex workers who used condoms over time. The study using the Cross-sectional design with a sample of 300 FSWs, is conducted annually from Aug - Oct (from 2011 to 2013) in 4 Districts: 1, 4, Binh Thanh, and Binh Chanh under the guidance of Circular No. 09/2012/TT-BYT dated 24/05/2012 of the Ministry of Health. The main behavioral indicators on FWSs include sexual and injecting behaviors. Results show that FSWs have a low consistent condom use rate with clients and decrease by 20% in 2013 if compared with the years from 2011-2013 (77.33%, 76.67%, 50.67%). Consistent condom use rate by FSWs with husbands/lovers (regular partners) was very low and only reached 6.42% in 2013. Although only 4% of FSWs reported that they have drug injecting practice but HIV prevalence for FSWs who injected drugs was 10 times higher than those who did not inject drugs. Development of diversified, cost-effective approaches, and early intervention on FSWs, especially FSWs have drug injecting practice.