Survey findings of HIV, STI surveillance among female sex workers in Ulaanbnaatar city

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infection (STI) has a profound impact on sexual and reproductive health worldwide. Conducting studies to determine the prevalence of STDs among population groups at risk is the leading resource of information needed to plan activities to prevent HIV/AIDS and STIs and control and reduce the spread of infection. Aim: To determine the prevalence of HIV and STIs in the FSW population using serological and PCR methods Materials and Methods: The study was cross-sectional and used Respondent-Driven Sampling methods. A total of 373 FSWs were enrolled in this study, and serological and molecular biological methods were used to determine HIV, syphilis and other STIs. Data were gathered by interviews using standardized questionnaires and through laboratory tests to check for HIV and Syphilis. In addition, PCR tests to determine seven additional infectious pathogens, such as N.gonorrheae, C.trachomatis, T.vaginalis, M.genitalis, M.hominis, U.urealiticum, and U.parvum were used to determine STDs among FSWs. The respondent-driven Sampling (RDS) approach was applied to recruit participants in this study. Results: The average age of FSWs was 32±9, and most respondents (81.8%) were aged between 20 and 39. According to the level of education, respondents with secondary education were predominant (65%). Regarding marital status, most women were never married (53%) or divorced (17%). The percentage of unemployed women was 60%. For 67% of respondents, monthly income ranged from 510 thousand to 3 million MNT. The average percentage of women without health insurance was 63%, and private health insurance coverage was 19%. HIV infection was not detected among FSWs. The crude prevalence of syphilis infection was 11.5% (95% CI 8.6-15.1%). The prevalence of T.vaginalis was 8.1% (n=24), N.gonorrhoeae was 3.7% (n=11), C.trachomatis was 17.1% (n=51), and M.genitalium was 18.1% (n=54), respectively. The rates were M.hominis 57% (n=170), U.urealyticum 48.3% (n=144), U.parvum 67.8% (n=202), respectively. The prevalence rate of syphilis among FSWs has been continuously decreasing from 2014 to 2022. Conclusion: No HIV infection was detected among FSWs who participated in this study. N.gonorrhoeae infection is the lowest (3.7%); syphilis, T.vaginalis, C. trachomatis, and M. genitalium infection prevalence is 8.1%-18.1%. On the other hand, U.urealyticum, M.hominis, and U.parvum infections were detected from 48.3% to 67.8%.