Evidence-based prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk factors among female sex workers in Port Harcourt, Niger Delta, Nigeria
- Journal of Microbiology & Experimentation
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Azuonwu O,1
Dimkpa FB,2
Ben-Chioma A3
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic has remained a key public health issue
for the sub-Saharan countries including Nigeria. Thus, sex workers in the region are top
on the list of key populations with highest vulnerability. The prevalence of HIV among
female sex workers is twice the prevalence found in the general population in Sub-Saharan
countries. This study evaluated the prevalence of HIV among female sex workers in Port
Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. A respondent-oriented observational sampling technique
which involved the use of questionnaire in addition to laboratory-based screening of HIV
among female sex workers in Port Harcourt was used. The self-structured questionnaire
comprehensively explored socio-demographic characteristics, and risk factors among
the subjects. HIV rapid diagnostic test kit from Alere Determine was used to detect HIV
infection. This cross sectional study findings recorded that, from a sample of 200 participants
drawn, 171 were negative to HIV while 29 subjects were positive to HIV infection with an
overall prevalence of 14.5% among female sex workers in Rivers State. Furthermore, the
finding demonstrated null association (p>0.05) between HIV and the risk factors measured.
The study implies that the risk of HIV among the study population, female sex workers,
is not linked to the assumed risk factors measured in this study since the finding failed to
establish association at p>0.05. HIV awareness campaigns should be intensified among
female sex workers especially on the consistent and correct use of condoms, and possibly
bringing HIV testing to the sex partners and clients as secondary prevention strategy to
offset the trend in HIV prevalence among this key population. Also implementation of
intervention such as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis following crucial riskful accident; such
as condom breakage is suggested among female sex workers.
Keywords
female sex workers, human immunodeficiency virus, HIV infection, Niger Delta, prevalence, Rivers State
