Prevalence of HIV in sex workers attended in a health institution in Medellín,Colombia

Abstract

Background

Despite being a key group for infection control, research on the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among female sex sorkers (FSWs) in Colombia is scarce and outdated.

Methods

This is a prevalence study involving 739 FSWs who attended a healthcare provider in Medellín between 2019 and 2023. Data were collected from medical records to capture sociodemographic and health information. The prevalence of HIV was determined with its 95% confidence interval, and comparisons of HIV prevalence with sociodemographic and behavioral factors were conducted using Fisher’s exact test and prevalence ratios. Analyses were performed using SPSS 29.0.

Results

Most FSWs had a primary education or less, and 50% were enrolled in the contributory health regime. Sixty-two percent reported using hallucinogens during sex, and 17% had relationships with individuals diagnosed with Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The prevalence of HIV was 1.4%, with a higher prevalence among those with a previous STI diagnosis, at 12%. No significant differences were found based on other sociodemographic or behavioral variables.

Conclusion

This study reveals a higher HIV prevalence compared to previous studies among FSWs, indicating the need for new health programs specifically tailored for this group, particularly for women with prior STIs, as they represent a key population for HIV infection that demands better healthcare approaches. Additionally, further research is needed to understand how sociodemographic changes impact infection dynamics in this population.