HIV -1 INFECTION AND SOME RELATED RISK FACTORS AMONG FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN ADDIS ABABA

Authors

  • Mengistu Mehret
  • Lev Khodakevich
  • Debrework Zewdie
  • Seyoum Ayehunie
  • Bekele Shanko
  • Getachew Gizaw
  • Demillew Bekele
  • Tigist Kebede
  • Mengesha Yadeta
  • Fasil Ketema
  • Tadelle Fesehaye
  • Mulugeta Tadesse
  • Hailemichael Manore
  • Ermias Hailu
  • Gezahegn Adal
  • Semunegus Lakew

Abstract

SUMMARY: A sero-epidemiological survey on HIV-l infection was carried out in July 1989, among four groups of female sex workers randomly selected in Addis Ababa. The four groups were comprised of: bar girls, tej (traditional wine) sellers, tella (traditional beer) sellers and females in red light houses. Sera were tested by ELISA and confirmed y western blot. The mean age of the 2617 females studied was 31.2 years, and the prevalence rate for HIV-1 was 24.7%. Persons in the 15-24 age group were affected more frequently. The highest prevalence (43.8%) was found among the females in red light houses. Females with relatively larger number of sexual partners and those who had previous exposure to STDs, had a higher prevalence of the infection. The survey revealed that HIV-1 is highly prevalent among females practicing multi-partner sexual contact (MPSC) in Addis Ababa, and the infection concentrates in the central areas of the city.

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Published

2021-12-03

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (1990)

Section

Articles