Behavioral surveillance survey among female sex workers in Qinghai,2009-2010

Objective To analyze HIV/AIDS epidemic situation and related behaviors among female sex workers(FSWs) in Qinghai,and provide scientific evidence for the development of new HIV prevention strategies.Methods The method of cross-sectional survey was applied to investigate FSWs in 2 sites.The behavior changes of FSWs were observed by continuous surveillance from 2009 to 2010.The blood samples of FSWs were collected and tested for HIV and other sex related diseases.Results The rates of condom use were 84.3% and 83.8% at the last commercial sex for site 1 and 2,respectively.The rates of consistent condom use in commercial sex activity were 75.8% and 69.9% for site 1 and 2 during the last moth,respectively.Drug use was found in one of the surveillance sites.The awareness of HIV/ AIDS transmission was confirmed as 81.6% and 75.8% FSWs on site 1 and 2,respectively.Less than half FSWs attended HIV VCT services(41.1% and 44.3% for site 1 and 2,respectively).Most FSWs received intervention services within the last year(77.2% and 80.1% for site 1 and 2,respectively).HIV infection was confirmed only in site 2(0.25%) during the 2 years of surveillance.Syphilis(1.6% and 1.8% for site 1 and 2) and HCV(0.5% and 0.1% for site 1 and 2,respectively) infections were found among FSWs.Conclusion HIV prevalence among female sex workers is generally low due to the comprehensive intervention measures,including condom use,behavior intervention,voluntary counseling and testing and public education.Unprotected commercial sex and drug injection were uncommon among FSWs.Achievement of sustained behavior change over extended periods of time is one of the most challenging features of effective behavioral interventions.