AIDS-related behaviors and knowledge among female sex workers in Qingdao city,2009-2013: sentinel surveillance data analysis

Objective To analyze the prevalence trend of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome/human immunodeficiency virus (AIDS/HIV) and related knowledge among female sex workers (FSWs) in Qingdao city from 2009 through 2013.Methods Questionnaire survey and serological detection for HIV,syphilis,and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were conducted among FSWs recruited from bars,bath centers,and night clubs in Qingdao city between 2009 through 2013 according to the national AIDS sentinel surveillance protocol.Results For the 4 033 FSWs totally surveyed,the average age was 24.8±5.8 years;73.9% were unmarried;62.8% were registered residentially in the local province;99.1% were of Han nationality;and 71.4% reported the education of junior high school.Among all the FSWs,the overall awareness rate of AIDS-related knowledge was 76.4%;the overall positive rates were 0.1% for HIV,12.8% for syphilis antibody,and,0.5% for HCV.Of the FSWs,60.3% reported condom use in the latest commercial sex and 24.8% reported condom use in every commercial sex during the last month.Conclusion The utilization of AIDS-related prevention services needs to be further expanded and appropriate intervention on condom use should be explored among FSWs in Qingdao city.