Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers attending institute of venereology

INTRODUCTION: Sexually transmitted infections, which includes HIV infection continue to be major health problem in many parts of the world, although effective preventive interventions are available. The distribution of STI in a community is not uniform, as behavioral aspects tend to differ between individuals as well as between sub groups of a population. Multiple sexual partnerships are an important risk behavior for STIs. Female sex workers are regarded as a core group for transmission of HIV due to their high infection rate and more number of sexual partners. AIM OF THE STUDY: 1. To study the pattern of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Female Sex Workers. 2. To study about the age distribution, socio economic back ground, educational level and marital status among the FSWs. 3. To study the sexual behaviour pattern among Female Sex Workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional study. SAMPLE: During the study period a total of 100 FSWs attending RGGGH were registered and observed. METHODS: The study patients were interviewed regarding their age, educational status, marital status, presenting complaints, sexual history, past history of venereal diseases and their condom use. RESULTS: Bacterial vaginosis (37%) was the commonest STI among the FSWs followed by trichomonas vaginalis vaginitis (12%) and Vulvo vaginal candidiasis (11%). 2% of the FSWs were HIV positive.The FSWs belong to the lower socio economic status was 61%. 75% of FSWs belong to 21 – 30 years age group. 52% of them were uneducated. FSWs using condom consistently with their clients was 18%. 61% of FSWs used condoms irregularly with their clients. 21% of FSWs were never used condoms with their clients. CONCLUSION: Sexually transmitted disease management in FSWs requires expert clinician to be well versed with risk assessment, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of infections and has to be familiar with new therapeutic agents. Successful eduction of STI in FSWs can be achieved because many infections are easily diagnosed and curable which paves way to reduce the HIV transmission in the community