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Abstract
Differences in Sexual Behaviors of Male Commercial Sex Workers (MSWs) and Transgenders/Transvestites (Hijras) In Pakistan
A. Khan1, A. Bokhari1, N. Nizamani2, N. Rehan3, A. Khan1
Background:
In Pakistan MSWs and Hijras sell unprotected anal sex. Although this behavior clearly puts them at risk of HIV/STIs, little is known about their sexual behaviors and the prevalence of STIs/HIV among them. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of STIs/HIV and compare the risk behaviors among MSWs and Hijras
Methods:
We conducted a cross sectional, community based study of 400 MSWs and 200 Hijras. Study subjects were administered a detailed interview questionnaire. Biological samples were collected for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Results:
The STI prevalence in MSWs was (HIV 4%, syphilis 23%, gonorrhea 36%, chlamydia 11%) and in Hijras (HIV 2%, syphilis 62%, gonorrhea 29%, chlamydia 18%). The median age was 24 years (range 12 – 43 years) with sexual debut at 14 years. Sexual practices differed with 25% MSWS vs 0.5% Hijras (p<0.05) reported buying or selling sex to women, 10% MSWs and 0% Hijras (p<0.001) had last sex act with a non-paying female partner, and condom use in last vaginal sex was 6% among MSWs. MSWs reported similar frequencies of receptive (38%) and insertive (44%) anal sex while Hijras engaged in mainly receptive anal sex (87%) (p=0.06). The overall condom use with male sex partners in last sex act was very low, 4% for MSWs and <1% for Hijras (p= 0.08).
Conclusions:
While both MSWs and Hijras engage in risky sexual practices, only MSWs practice bisexual behaviors that have wider implications for transmission of STIs/HIV to the general population. HIV prevention programs need to tailor different behavior change messages for the two subgroups that engage in MSM activities.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
TUPDD07
Suggested Citation
"A.Khan, et al.
Differences in Sexual Behaviors of Male Commercial Sex Workers (MSWs) and Transgenders/Transvestites (Hijras) In Pakistan.
Poster discussion:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
TUPDD07"
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