HBV, HCV and HIV among female sex workers; is it a health problem?

Abstract

Female sex workers (FSWs) are a marginalized group notoriously having limited healthcare access and poor-quality care. Inevitably, they are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections including human immune deficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The aim of this study was to study the frequency and the factors associated with HIV, HBV, and HCV among FSWs. In a cross-sectional study from December 2016 till March 2017, 52 Egyptian FSWs were interviewed and tested for markers of HBV, HCV and HIV infections. Oral and anal sex were reported in 48.1% and 17.3%, respectively. 25 FSWs had sex with drug users and 25% reported sex under the influence of drug/alcohol. Consistent condom use was reported in 3.8%. Two cases (3.8%) were HCV-Ab positive. Anti-HBs and anti-HBc were detected in 10 (19.2%) and 5 (9.6%) respectively and 78.8% were susceptible to HBV infection. None had HIV antibodies. History of circumcision by a traditional practitioner (p = 0.047), older age (0.014), and multiple sex partners (p = 0.024) were significantly associated with HBV infection. FSWs are at a higher risk of acquiring HBV infection than the normal population. They are at the potential risk of other STIs due to the high prevalence of at-risk-sex-practices.

Keywords:

• Female sex workers
• HBV
• HCV
• HIV

Disclosure statement

None to declare.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Azza Galal Farghaly

Azza Galal Farghaly is a Professor, Tropical Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University. Research activities and interest include hepatitis viruses, TB, control of schistosomiasis, vaccination of hepatitis B, parasitic contamination of sea water, HIV, health problems among addicts, Fashiola, Brucella and Fungal infections. Total published papers are 53. Lab experience includes ELISA of different hepatitis markers and use of florescent microscope for measuring T cells. Field experience includes epidemilological and parasitological part of project control of bilharziasis sponsored by IDRC and USAID _MOH Egypt. Scopus ID 7007043389.

Yasmine Mohammed Alkassabany

Yasmin Mohammed Alkasabany is a Lecturer at Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health (HIPH), Alexandria University; received Master's degree (2012) and a Phd (2017) in Public Health from HIPH, Alexandria University; graduated from Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University. Main interests include public health and infectious diseases particularly blood borne viruses and infections. Dr. Alkasabany is passionate about teaching and participated in post graduate teaching for doctors in the field, Public Health. Dr Alkasabany has taken part in a number of research projects in public health projects nationally and is looking forward to widen her scope of research. Dr Alkasabany has special interest in improving the health care facilities specifically in the field of screening based on the conducted research in Public Health. Dr Alakasabany has taken an active role alongside non-governmental organizations in raising public awareness and early detection of various infectious diseases.

Engy Mohamed El-Ghitany

Engy M. El-Ghitany, MD, Dr.PH, DTM&H, is a Professor of Tropical Health at High Institute of Public Health (HIPH) in Alexandria University, Egypt. After her medical graduation, she worked for HIPH and got her master and doctor degree in tropical and public health. She has got “Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene” from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Diploma in Vaccinology from Pasteur Institute, Paris. She was the principle investigator of two projects for six years. She also runs her private clinic for infectious diseases and tropical and travel medicine. She has many publications in reputable journals. Her current research focuses on four axes: (1) liver diseases particularly viral hepatitis and fatty liver disease; (2) development of surveillance systems, prediction models and cost-effectiveness; (3) travel medicine; (4) emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Scopus ID: 54934521800