Prevalence and risk factors of syphilis among female sex workers in Xichang city

Objective To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of syphilis among female sex workers(FSWs) in Xichang city of Sichuan province.Methods A community-based survey was conducted to investigate demographic characteristics,sexual behaviors,condom use,and drug use in 404 FSWs in Xichang.Blood samples were collected to test for human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),syphilis,hepatites B virus(HBV) and hepatites C virus(HCV).Results Among the FSWs surveyed,1.0% reported unprotected sex behavior with their clients.The prevalence of HIV,syphilis,HBV,and HCV infection was 1.5%,12.1%,7.9%,and 1.2%,respectively.Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that minority(odds ratioOR=3.1,95% confidence intervalCI:1.5-6.3),longer duration of sex work(OR=3.0,95%CI:1.4-6.3) and having occupations other than sex work(OR=3.9,95%CI:1.5-10.2) were independently associated with the risk of syphilis prevalence.Conclusion The prevalence of syphilis was high among FSWs in Xichang and effective measures should be taken to control syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases transmitted by the bridge population.