Prevalence Over Time and Risk Factors for Sexually Transmissible Infections Among Newly Arrived Female Sex Workers in Timika, Indonesia

HIV rates are on the rise in Indonesia, the authors noted. Located at Timika in Papua, the world's largest gold mine employs many single and migrant men, and sex with female sex workers (FSWs) is common. The researchers investigated trends in sexually transmissible infections (STIs) among these women.
FSWs at clinics were recruited for their first STI screening between 1997 and 2002. Lab tests were performed to diagnose STIs; in addition, sociodemographic and sexual behavior data were obtained.
From 1997 to 2002, gonorrhea prevalence varied from 11 percent to 19 percent (P=0.71). Positive
treponemal serology varied from 1.4 percent to 5.1 percent (P=0.50). Trichomoniasis declined from 16 percent to 11 percent (P=0.03). HIV infection, meanwhile, increased significantly from 0 percent to 1.4 percent (P=0.002). There was no significant change in chlamydia prevalence, from 33 percent in 1997 to 41 percent in 1998 (P=0.10). Although consistent condom use was low, it did increase from 8 percent to 16 percent (P=0.001).
"Any STI was independently associated with younger age, high frequency of sexual activity, and not using contraceptives," the authors concluded. "The high rates of STIs, low condom use, and increasing prevalence of HIV among these FSWs require enhanced interventions, and consideration of periodic presumptive treatment. A partnership with industry can aid and sustain an intervention program."
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