Prevalence of Hiv and the Other Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Sexual Workers

Janja Bojanic; Gordana Guzijan; Ljubica Bojanic; Ljubica Jandric; Nina RodicVukmir; Jela Acimovic

Volume : V, Issue : IV, April - 2015

Prevalence of Hiv and the Other Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Sexual Workers

Janja Bojanic, Gordana Guzijan, Ljubica Bojanic, Ljubica Jandric, Nina Rodicvukmir, Jela Acimovic

Abstract :

Background: Sexual workers (Sexual Workers –SW) represent the population exposed to extremely high

risk of HIV and the other sexually transmitted diseases. Objectives: An aim of this research was to evaluate the prevalence of HIV/sexually transmitted infections among SW in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as to examine

knowledge, attitude and behaviour relating to HIV/sexually transmitted infections. Material and methods: Research was

performed in 2012 as a bio–behavioral study that covered 199 SW in five cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Interviewing was done voluntarily, anonymously and confidentially, and after SW informed consent, they were taken a

biological material (blood) for laboratory testing on HIV, hepatitis b, hepatitis c and syphilis. The results are compared

to the results obtained in researches conducted in 2008 and 2010. Results: The research shows the presence of risk

behaviour among SW, mostly related to frequent change of partners and frequent unprotected sexual intercourses. Although there is a risk behaviour, only 11,1% think that the risk of HIV/sexually transmitted infections is high and 12,6%

think that there is no risk. Results of laboratory testing indicate a low level of HIV/sexually transmitted infections among

sexual workers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Conclusions: Although there are a relative progress in prevention of HIV/

sexually transmitted infections among sexual workers and frequent testing on HIV/sexually transmitted infections compå to earlier periods, these are not enough for maintenance of a low level of infection. Further researches among

this population would enable monitoring time trends of HIV epidemic in Bosnia and Herzegovina and become a basis

for the development of preventable programmes.