Hong Kong Med J 2012;18(Suppl 3):S42-6
Prevalence and risk factors of sexually transmitted infections in female sex workers in Hong Kong
WCW Wong, YL Yim, TN Leung, H Lynn, DC Ling
Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong
1. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and HIV among the participating female sex workers (FSW) accounted for 8.5%, 1.8%, 1.8%, 4.6%, and 0.2%, respectively.
2. Alcohol consumption, place of origin, a history of termination of pregnancy, higher education level, having multiple partners, and being a non-smoker were risk factors of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among asymptomatic FSWs.
3. Inconsistent use of condom when having sex with regular partners among FSWs may have a bridging effect in the spread of STIs to other population groups.
4. Continue surveillance of STIs in FSWs in Hong Kong is important. A coherent policy and holistic approach is required to control the spread of STIs in the community.
2. Alcohol consumption, place of origin, a history of termination of pregnancy, higher education level, having multiple partners, and being a non-smoker were risk factors of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among asymptomatic FSWs.
3. Inconsistent use of condom when having sex with regular partners among FSWs may have a bridging effect in the spread of STIs to other population groups.
4. Continue surveillance of STIs in FSWs in Hong Kong is important. A coherent policy and holistic approach is required to control the spread of STIs in the community.