Analysis of AIDS-related knowledge and high-risk behavior patterns among female sex workers in Lucheng district, Wenzhou, Zhejiang

Objective To provide an insight into AIDS-related knowledge and high-risk behavior patterns, as well as the current levels of HIV antibody and HBsAg and syphilis infection, among female sex workers (FCWs) in recreation places in Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang.Methods Anonymous questionnaire-based investigation was performed among female sex workers in recreation places of Lucheng, Wenzhou in conjunction with laboratory test of the collected blood samples to obtain information on the demography, AIDS-related knowledge, condom use and health care utilization.Results The unmarried accounted for 55.09% of 403 investigated subjects; the average age was (23.24.2) years, 70.47% from 20 to 30years.Those with the educational level of junior middle school or lower accounted for 63.03%. The average awareness rate of AIDS-related knowledge was 76.83%.The average age for the initial sexual activity was (20.32.5) years.The average number of sexual partners was 2.8 in the last week; during the past month, 59.31% of the subjects used condoms in each commercial sexual activity with the customers, and 30.28% used them with a regular sex partner.One case of positive HIV antibody was identified, the HIV-positive rate being 0.25%.The syphilis-positive rate was 1.49% (six cases), the HBsAg-positive rate 6.45% (26 cases).Conclusion Apart from inadequate awareness of AIDS-related knowledge, multiple sex partners, frequent sexual activities and unprotected sex behavior constituted the major risk factors for HIV/AIDS infection and transmission among female sex workers in recreation places.Therefore, in-depth and sustainable intervention with comprehensive approaches is desired for effective control of HIV/AIDS spread in this population.