PREVALENCE OF ACTIVE SYPHILIS AMONG WOMEN SEX WORKERS IN RECIFE - PERNAMBUCO

Abstract

Introduction: female sex workers (FSW), due to working conditions, social and individual context, are highly vulnerable to Sexually Transmitted Infections, especially syphilis.  Objective: to estimate the prevalence and analyze the factors associated with syphilis  among female sex workers in the city of Recife, Pernambuco. Method: cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, carried out among female sex workers over 18 years of age residing in the city of Recife-Pernambuco. For recruitment, the Respondent-Driven  Sampling (RDS) method was used. For data collection, a socio-behavioral questionnaire was applied, rapid tests were performed for HIV infections, syphilis, hepatitis B and C and venous blood collection for diagnostic confirmation. Results: About 9.8% had active  syphilis. Syphilis was associated with starting as a sex worker before age 18 (OR = 3.545;  95%CI 1.40 - 9.01); inconsistent condom use during sexual intercourse (OR= 3.051;  95%CI: 1.07 - 8.66); not having a steady partner (OR= 3.253; 95%CI: 1.47 - 7.19); brown  race/color (OR= 3.57; 95%CI: 1.68 - 7.57) and open workplace/streets (OR=3.094; 95%CI:  1.23 - 7.77). Conclusion: the high prevalence of syphilis underlines the urgent need for targeted and culturally sensitive public health interventions to prevent and treat this STI among the FSW, as well as the implementation of preventive/protective measures to act on its associated factors.