Surveillance of AIDS among female sex workers in China, 1995 - 2009

Objective To understand the HIV/AIDS-related behavior characteritics and HIV infection prevalence among female sex workers (FSWs) in China, provide information and evidence for the prevention and control of AIDS. Methods The surveillance was conducted among FSWs in 10 national surveillance areas from 1995 to 2009 in the form of questionnaire survey and blood sample taking. Results The analysis of surveillance data indicated that HIV infection rate among FSWs was lowest in 1995 (0.02%) and highest in 2001 (0.48%). The persistent condom use rate at commercial sex in recent month was lowest in 1996 (10.00%) and highest in 2006 (63.70%) with the mean of 37.35%. The proportion of FSWs who never used condom at commercial sex in recent month was lowest in 2009 (2.05%) and highest in 1996 (71.70%) with the mean of 27.10%. Conclusion The condom use rate increased and HIV infection rate declined among FSWs in China during this period, but the persistent condom use rate at commercial sex among them was still low. Despite the overall low HIV infection rate, the high infection rate was observed in some areas. It is necessary to strengthen the AIDS intervention among FSWs.