Syphilis infection among female sex workers in Colombia

Abstract

Objective: To study the epidemiology of Treponema pallidum (syphilis) among female sex workers (FSW) in Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia.

Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire, which collected socio-demographic characteristics and risk behavior information. Blood samples were screened for syphilis using the VDRL test and the MHATP assay.

Results: The prevalence of syphilis was 10.3% (53/514). Adjusted risk factors significantly associated with syphilis were: age (linear increase), education (primary or no education), monthly income (<USD 180), time in sex work (>or=4 years), number of clients per week (>or=22), main workplace (street), inconsistent (never) condom use in sex work, previous STI history, and use of illegal drugs.

Conclusions: Effective health education programs for improving the level of knowledge of STI and the promotion of consistent condom use activities along with other appropriate harm reduction activities are urgently required among FSW in Colombia.