Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of HIV and associated risk factors among female sex workers (FSWs) in border provinces of Vietnam.

Methods: 911 FSWs in five border provinces of Vietnam (Lai Chau, Quang Tri, Dong Thap, An Giang, and Kien Giang) were enrolled in a cross sectional study. Subjects were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire about selected sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics, history of STIs, and information about their cohabiting partners (husbands or live-in partners). Serological tests were done for HIV and syphilis (TPHA+RPR) and urine tests (PCR) for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Associations between HIV and selected features of FSWs and their partners were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results: Overall, the prevalence of HIV among FSWs in the five provinces of Vietnam was 4.5%. The prevalence of HIV was higher in the southern border regions (4.0%–7.0%) than the northern (2%) and central (1%) regions. In multivariate analysis between HIV and selected features of FSWs, income ⩽$33/month (OR 2.36, p = 0.04), age of first sex ⩽15 (OR = 5.48, p = 0.005), and ⩾9 clients per week (OR 2.80, p = 0.018) were associated with HIV infection. Positive syphilis serology achieved a borderline significant association with HIV (OR 2.30, p = 0.095). Having a regular non-paying partner (OR = 0.35, p = 0.060) was a borderline protective factor for HIV.

Conclusion: Interventions to limit HIV transmission among FSWs in Vietnam should be implemented early and focus on young poor populations in these border areas.