HIV in female sex workers in five border provinces of Vietnam.

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 < or =$33/month (OR 2.36, p = 0.04), age of first sex < or =15 (OR = 5.48, p = 0.005), and > or =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.