Risk Behaviours for HIV Infection and Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Female Sex Workers from Copenhagen

Abstract

In 1990–91, 237 female sex workers from Copenhagen were enrolled in a larger study performed in 9 European countries. None of 206 women accepting serological testing was HIV-infected despite the fact that 36 (17.5%) were injecting drug users (IDU). Whereas 95% of the women always used condoms with clients over the last 6 months, this proportion was 25% and 9% respectively for casual and regular non-paying partners (P< 0.0001 for both comparisons). Those reporting at least one STD over the last year had more non-paying sexual partners than the others (P< 0.01) and the frequency of STD was lower in women who always used condoms with non-paying partners (7% vs 31%, P=0.01). Women working on the street were more often IDU than others (78% vs 7%, P< 0.001). Independently of drug use, street prostitutes also tended to have more clients (P=0.007) and more STD (P=0.05).

The striking differences in condom use with clients as compared to non-paying partners and the association between STD and sexual behaviours with such partners but not with clients show that specific interventions should be designed to promote safer sex with non-paying partners.