Prostitution and HIV / AIDS: a report from Abidjan
Aids Analysis Africa 8(1): 9 15
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 1016-8974 PMID: 12293292 Document Number: 295915
Abstracts in the abstracts book at the Abidjan AIDS in Africa conference in December 1997 provide important data on the extent of HIV infection among female prostitutes and their lack of knowledge and prevention. HIV is widespread among Ghana's prostitutes. One survey of 368 prostitutes in the Greater Accra area found that 297 (76%) were HIV-seropositive. Older ages, length of time working as a prostitute, and having had other STDs were positively associated with HIV infection, while the number of clients per day and price for sexual services were not significant determinants of HIV serostatus. 66% of the prostitutes became infected during their first year of work in prostitution, and 80% used condoms with their clients. Another study found that the women are motivated by a sense of familial responsibility, but with only a limited scope for money-earning activities. Over the past decade, the number of prostitutes has increased and they are becoming younger, more educated, and more professional in their approach. 75% of 85 female prostitutes screened for HIV infection in a study in Uganda were HIV-positive and 80% began prostitution for economic reasons; only 66% indicated that they would change profession if given an alternative. A number of the abstracts indicate low levels of condom use during commercial sex acts. Finally, a study in a South African mining community saw a 30% reduction in overall STD prevalence as the miners increased their prevalence of condom use from 13% to 29%.