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Abstract
Substantial risk behaviour among transgender sex workers in the Netherlands
M. van Veen1, A. Hofhuis1, T. van der Helm2, H. Götz3, M. Prins2, M. van de Laar1
Background: In the Netherlands, surveys on HIV prevalence and risk behaviour among commercial sex workers (CSW) were conducted to assess the potential for HIV transmission. Different types of CSW were included to study potential risk groups within this population.
Methods: In 2002/2004, a cross-sectional study was conducted among CSW in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Participants were recruited in establishment- and street-based CSW sites. Demographics, sexual and drug use behaviour were obtained by a questionnaire. A saliva sample was collected for HIV antibody testing. Proportions and medians were compared using (non-)parametric tests where appropriate.
Results: 365 CSW were recruited, of whom 45 transgenders. HIV prevalence was 18.2% (95% CI 8.2-32.7) among transgenders and 5.3% (95% CI 3.1-8.4) among the other (female) CSW (p=0.006). The majority of transgenders is originated from Latin America (78%) compared with 24% of female CSW. Transgenders reported 15 clients per week (median) compared with 20 reported by female CSW. Inconsistent condom use with clients was reported by 24% of transgenders in contrast with 17% of female CSW (p=0.22). Regular condom failure with clients was more often reported by transgenders (57%) than by female CSW (37%, p=0.01). Transgenders used predominantly (96%) anal sex techniques with clients. 31% of transgenders reported STI treatment in the previous year, which is significantly higher than 14% reported by female CSW. Two out of eight HIV positive transgenders used condoms inconsistently with clients, two others reported condom failure. Three HIV-positive transgenders, who always used condoms, reported STI treatment.
Conclusions: HIV prevalence among transgenders is higher than among female CSW, as is STI treatment. Almost a quarter of transgenders uses condoms inconsistently with clients and condom failure is often reported. Moreover HIV positive transgenders report substantial risk behaviour. As a result there is a potential risk for further spread of HIV through clients of transgender CSW into the general population.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
MOPE0478
Suggested Citation
"M.vanVeen, et al.
Substantial risk behaviour among transgender sex workers in the Netherlands.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
MOPE0478"
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