A study on HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C virus infections among female sex workers in the Republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND: Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are considered to be at high risk for transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and are defined as a priority of the national HIV/AIDS response in the Republic of Congo (RoC). However, no data are available regarding STIs in this group. This study aimed to determine the prevalences of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and C among FSWs in five cities in the country.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2(nd) 2011 to May 15(th) 2012. Participants were recruited in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, Dolisie, Nkayi and Pokola using a respondent-driven sampling method.

RESULTS: A total of 805 FSWs were recruited with an average age of 28.31 ± 9.15 years. The overall prevalences of HIV, syphilis, HBV and HCV were 7.50%, 2.20%, 4.20% and 0.70%, respectively. The age groups 35-39 (20.51% [0%-36.93%], p = 0.0057) and greater than 40 years (16.67% [0%-34.93%], P = 0.016) were positively associated with behaviors at high risk of HIV infection. For syphilis, the most infected age group was the one greater than 40 years, at 6.25% ([1.06% -72.37%] p = 0.04). Pointe-Noire was the most infected city for syphilis and HBV, with 5.15% (p = 0.0061) and 4.22% (p˂0.001), respectively. No risk factors were associated with HCV infection. FSWs practicing in mobile prostitution sites had a significantly higher infection rate (2.1% [0%-11.09%] p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION: This study shows that the prevalence of HIV and other STIs in FSWs is high. Therefore, a combination of individual and structural interventions could reduce the risk of an STI "reservoir" among this population.