AIDS sentinel surveillance among female sex workers in Changzhou, Jiangsu, 2012-2013

Objective To understand the prevalence of AIDS among female sex workers (FSWs) and related information in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, and provide scientific evidence for the development AIDS prevention strategy for FSWs. Methods According to the national AIDS sentinel surveillance protocol, the questionnaire survey and serological detection were conducted annually among FSWs in Changzhou from 2012 to 2013. Results Totally 800 FSWs were surveyed. There were significant differences in demographic characteristics, awareness of AIDS related knowledge, condom use, prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases and acceptance of intervention service between FSWs from detention centers and FSWs from entertainment places. The positive rates of HIV, syphilis and HCV were 0.5%, 7.1% and 0.5%, respectively. The positive rates of HIV and syphilis in FSWs from detention centers were significantly higher than those in FSWs from entertainment places (2=9.053,P=0.009; 2=57.558,P=0.000). Conclusion The risks of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases were higher in FSWs from detention centers than in FSWs from entertainment places in Changzhou. Multi-sectoral cooperation should be strengthened for the AIDS prevention among FSWs.