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PubMedDate not supplied

Gonorrhoea and urogenital chlamydial infection in female prostitutes in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

The prevalence of gonorrhoea and urogenital chlamydial infection was investigated in female prostitutes in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Epidemiological data were recorded according to a standardized questionnaire. The median age of the prostitutes was 27 years and the median period of prostitution was 2-4 years. Most of the women (91%) had no occupation other than prostitution and 57% of them had not even completed primary school. In 233 cases when both gonococcal culture and chlamydial antigen detection with a commercial EIA kit were performed the prevalence of gonorrhoea was 25% (59) and that of chlamydial infection 31% (72). Both diseases were recorded in 9%. The women who had been prostitutes for 2 years or longer had gonorrhoea (P less than 0.01) or chlamydial infection (P less than 0.05) less frequently than those who had practised prostitution for a shorter time period. Among 70 different gonococcal isolates from 241 prostitutes, 40 (57%) belonged to serogroup W II/III. Most (83%) of the 30 W I isolates were beta-lactamase producing (PPNG) like 42% of the W II/III isolates. All non-PPNG isolates, except one had decreased susceptibility to benzylpenicillin (MIC greater than or equal to 0.125 mg/l) and all isolates were susceptible to spectinomycin. Four out of five isolates from the throat were PPNG and the fifth had a benzylpenicillin MIC of 0.5-2.0 mg/l.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Psychological and sociological research and the decriminalization or legalization of prostitution.

In maintaining criminal prohibitions on prostitution and prostitution-related activity, the United States has ignored the two alternative approaches successfully invoked in many other countries: legalization and decriminalization of prostitution. This article questions the justifications usually advanced in favor of criminal sanctions and against the two alternatives. Studies of prostitutes and their clients, as well as larger societal studies, undercut the arguments against decriminalization and legalization, and reveal that none of the traditional goals of imposing criminal sanctions (punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation) are furthered by the current prohibition of prostitution. These studies also reveal the advantages offered by a system of decriminalized or legalized prostitution. Further policy arguments for the removal of such sanctions are discussed and legal arguments are offered to attempt to limit the reach of current criminal prostitution laws while the present system remains in effect.

Humans↗
PubMed1991

The male street prostitute: a vector for transmission of HIV infection into the heterosexual world.

Two hundred and eleven New Orleans male street prostitutes were interviewed and tested for antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The subjects' lifestyle characteristics and their sex and drug use practices were evaluated to determine the prostitutes' potential to function as a vector for transmission of HIV into populations with currently low infection rates. Information about the customers of the male prostitutes was also obtained from the sample. The period prevalence of HIV in the sample was 175/1000. Many of the male prostitutes reported having wives or girlfriends, some of whom were prostitutes themselves. The prostitutes perceived a majority of their male customers to be heterosexual or bisexual (indicating sexual contact with women as well as men), many (39%) were thought to be married. Results from the study support the argument that male prostitutes serve as a bridge of HIV infection into populations with currently low infection rates through contact with both non-customer sexual partners and customers and thus indirectly to spouses and sexual partners of these individuals.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Vagino-cytological studies in prostitutes].

Numerous papers on the high incidence of precancerous lesions of the uterine cervix in prostitutes have been published mainly in Anglo-American literature. The reported data were compared with those of prostitutes in a South German city. In a retrospective study on 239 prostitutes and a control group of 502 patients of the same age distribution the data regarding the vaginal flora and the obtained cytologic groups (modified Papanicolaou classification "M unchner Nomenklatur ") were compared. The prostitutes showed a higher rate of cocci in otherwise "comparably clean" smears. The incidence of trichomonas vaginalis was five times higher among the prostitutes. In contradiction to American and British publication there was no higher incidence of smears pointing to precancerous lesions among the prostitutes. It seems that the characteristic "low socioeconomic status" does not apply to prostitutes in our region.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Risk practices for HIV infection and other STDs amongst female prostitutes working in legalized brothels.

Most research investigating risk practices for HIV infection and other STDs amongst sex workers has focused on street prostitutes to the exclusion of those prostitutes who work in different sections of the industry. This is largely a consequence of methodological difficulties in accessing prostitutes other than those who work on the streets. HIV prevention research and interventions must address the fact that risk practices may vary according to the type of prostitution engaged in. This paper reports on risk practices for HIV infection and other STDs amongst prostitutes working in legalized brothels in Victoria, Australia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed by representatives of a sex worker organization whose collaboration was an important factor in obtaining a large sample of prostitutes. The study found low levels of risk practices for prostitutes working in legal brothels in Victoria. The major risk practices indentified were injecting drug use and condom non-use with non-paying partners.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Hepatitis B infection in prostitutes.

The prevalence of HBV markers in prostitutes is known to be higher than that of the normal population of similar age range in previous studies. This study showed a significant correlation between the duration of prostitution and the prevalence of HBV antibodies amongst the prostitutes. The prevalence of HBV antibodies doubled after the first year of prostitution. A two-year follow-up study of these prostitutes showed that 37% of HBsAg positive prostitutes lost the HBsAg. The seroconversion rate of HBsAg negative prostitutes was 10% during this two-year period. Early immunization against HBV infection should be considered in this high risk group in view of these findings.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV-antibody testing practices in Belgian prostitutes.

From December 1988 to April 1989, 154 female prostitutes in and around Ghent, Belgium, were interviewed about their knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to the risks for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in their profession. Thirty four women worked as window prostitutes, 120 picked up their clients in bars, clubs, and saunas. Blood samples were taken from 123 women. One (0.8%) was seropositive for HIV1, 19 (15.4%) had Hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc), eight (6.4%) showed markers of syphilis. None of them were Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers. Hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV) were present in the serum of three women (2.4%). Overall STD seroprevalence was higher in the group of window prostitutes than in the group of club prostitutes. One woman admitted intravenous drug use. Former testing for anti-HIV antibodies had been performed in 102 (66.5%) respondents, of whom 84 (82.3%) were tested in the year preceding the interview. In 74.5% of the cases, these tests were requested by the women themselves. These results suggest that HIV infection is not yet prevalent in non-intravenous drug using prostitutes in Ghent, but that this situation may change considering their higher rates of past STD. Window prostitutes are at higher risk than club prostitutes. Testing for HIV seems to be common practice, mostly at the request of the women themselves. Health education should discourage the notion of testing as an alternative to using condoms.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed2002

Teenage prostitution and the future of the female adolescent in Nigeria.

Nigeria has a large number of adolescents living and making a living on the streets. This has been attributed to economic factors and exposure to all forms of risks. The result is the proliferation of prostitution among the adolescents with its attendant problems. This article considers the different forms of adolescent prostitutes: those in brothels, street walkers, call girls, and casual, part-time, or floating prostitutes, as well as the trafficking of adolescent girls across international borders. The causes of adolescent prostitution in Nigeria are largely economic, sociological, and socioeconomic factors. A two-dimensional approach was adopted in considering the attitude to prostitution. Coping mechanisms include endurance, self-medication, seeking medical attention, and adaptation. The effects of prostitution are psychological reactions, psychosocial damage, and the political implication, which damages the image of the nation. Approaches to combat adolescent prostitution in Nigeria include legislative steps, governmental efforts, policy making, awareness programs, and the efforts of nongovernmental organizations, community conscientization, and societal measures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Prostitution in Vancouver: violence and the colonization of First Nations women.

We interviewed 100 women prostituting in Vancouver, Canada. We found an extremely high prevalence of lifetime violence and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fifty-two percent of our interviewees were women from Canada's First Nations, a significant overrepresentation in prostitution compared with their representation in Vancouver generally (1.7-7%). Eighty-two percent reported a history of childhood sexual abuse, by an average of four perpetrators. Seventy-two percent reported childhood physical abuse, 90% had been physically assaulted in prostitution, 78% had been raped in prostitution. Seventy-two percent met DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. Ninety-five percent said that they wanted to leave prostitution. Eighty-six percent reported current or past homelessness with housing as one of their most urgent needs. Eighty-two percent expressed a need for treatment for drug or alcohol addictions. Findings are discussed in terms of the legacy of colonialism, the intrinsically traumatizing nature of prostitution and prostitution's violations of basic human rights.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

[Risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases in prostitutes and transvestites in Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of sex workers in the city of Ribeirão Preto, which is in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and to investigate the risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in this population. METHODS: All the areas in the city where female or male prostitutes or transvestites work or live were visited. The participants answered a questionnaire that collected sociodemographic data and information concerning risk factors for STDs. A social worker who for more than five years had carried out educational activities with sex workers in Ribeirão Preto was responsible for the interviews. RESULTS: The 449 female prostitutes, 13 male prostitutes, and 53 male transvestite sex workers who were included in the study make up a young population, with little schooling and a low socioeconomic level. A majority of them were born in states other than São Paulo, and a third of them still maintain a residence in some other state. In comparison to the prostitutes (the female and male prostitutes considered together), the transvestites had a significantly higher risk for STDs, which was reflected in their number of years as sex workers, average number of sexual partners per day, history of ulcerative STDs, practice of anal sex, use of illegal noninjectable drugs (especially crack), and history of incarceration. Exposure to alcohol was the only risk factor found more frequently in the prostitutes. Using a condom with a steady partner was less frequent than was condom use in commercial sex, for both the prostitutes and the transvestites. CONCLUSIONS: Sex workers in Ribeirão Preto, especially transvestites, are socially marginalized and at high risk for STDs. Public health services should focus more attention on this population by developing prevention programs and by supporting additional research that could provide more detailed knowledge concerning the specific risk factors that put this population at risk for STDs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

The relationship between adult sexual assault and prostitution: an exploratory analysis.

Previous research has established a link between childhood sexual abuse and engaging in prostitution as an adult. The purpose of this study was to extend this literature by exploring whether being raped as an adult is associated with exchanging sex for money. Interviews with 102 rape survivors in a major metropolitan area revealed that 23.5% had engaged in prostitution post-rape. Those who had exchanged sex for money were more likely to be women of color, to have a high school education or less, to be unemployed, and to have children to support, than those who had not engaged in prostitution post-assault. The prostitution subsample also had significantly higher levels of psychological distress, physical health symptomatology, and substance use. Survivors were asked whether and how the rape was associated with engaging in prostitution: most (75%) stated that they felt it was related to the assault. The most commonly cited reason for engaging in prostitution by these survivors was that they were trying to regain some control over their lives and their bodies; exchanging sex for money was seen as one way to control men's access to them. Implications for future research on victimization and prostitution are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Regulation of prostitution--especially considering the work of public health offices in West Germany].

In the tradition of a dual morality in respect of the satisfaction of male desire throughout history, the prostitute is blamed for the infection and spread of sexually transmitted diseases; discriminated against by society; and criminalized by law. The institutional survey and care of prostitutes has been performed in Germany by the Public Health Offices since 1927. In the course of my work on a dissertation thesis I made an inquiry with all Public Health Offices in West Germany in 1990 to study their actual efficiency. The topics were: the work connected with prostitutes; the scope of the work; the spectrum of venereal diseases and personal opinions of the Public Health Office employees. In many cases, survey and care of prostitutes is performed incidentally and in an off-hand manner. The rate of infection with other sexually transmitted diseases is much higher than with the four classical venereal diseases. Many prostitutes are drug addicts: 50.1% of the registered prostitutes use illegal drugs or alcohol or medicaments; the rate of drug abuse is as high as the rate of infection. The very diverse working methods of the different Public Health Offices show their effects that depend on the range of clients, incidence rate of diseases of the prostitutes, and whether the groups relevant in an epidemiological context are within the reach of the Public Health Office concerned. In this report the results of the inquiry are discussed with regard to the future work of local Public Health Offices.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗
PubMed1991

[Prostitution and public health].

The attitude of public services concerning prostitution was inspired by the fear of venereal diseases. In regimenting prostitution, the state recognised that they were trying to control it. This law was a total failure and was abolished in 1946. The worrying development of sexually contagious diseases (AIDS) will start again the that was dormant with the victory of antibiotherapy on venereal diseases. The proposition to return to regimentation with there opening of "maisons closes" will also restart the debate. These measures will be inefficient against illicit prostitution and are in contradiction with our convictions and morals, and of course with our international obligations. Prostitution is now part of our society and is longer illegal, but soliciting in a public place is still an offence. The prostitute is judged as being permanently in breach of the law, contrary to the opposite sex where no responsibility is acknowledged. We proposed to associate judges, doctors, police force and prostitutes to give some consideration and think of this problem so that this part of the population do not stay on the fringe of our society and that they can have the same rights, particularly the right for housing and health services, as, unfortunately the majority of prostitutes do not have "social security".

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1990

[Prostitution as a form of coping with childhood sexual abuse with its sequelae].

Since August 1987 the Public Health Advisory Service on Venereal Diseases in Berlin-Schöneberg offers psychological and social counselling and advice for prostitutes who wish to quit their present job. Until 31.12.1989 53 prostitutes gave up prostitution with the help of the Advisory Service. Taking into consideration American studies on the connection between sexual abuse during childhood and prostitution, and from own observations, the Beratungsstelle commissioned a psychologist to work with victims of sexual abuse who are now prostitutes. The outcome of this work confirmed the American studies. Besides drug abuse, mental and physical disorders, prostitution is yet another attempt to cope with the once endured sexual violence. The fear of AIDS prompts an increasing number of prostitutes to give their life another direction. Therefore, they are in need of special care by the institutions of Public Health. The Public Health Advisory Service on Venereal Diseases in Berlin-Schöneberg is one of the four governmental social and medical centres for patients suffering from venereal diseases in Berlin (West).

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1989

Child sexual abuse and adolescent prostitution: a comparative analysis.

In several studies, child sexual abuse has been identified as a characteristic of adolescent prostitution. The implication of these findings, especially for girls, is that the two phenomena are related in that childhood sexual abuse perhaps leads to prostitution. The present study explored the relationship between sexual abuse and adolescent prostitution by comparing 70 sexually abused children with 35 prostitution-involved children on 22 variables. Findings suggest that the relationship is not directed, but involves runaway behavior as an intervening variable. It is not so much that sexual abuse leads to prostitution as it is that running away leads to prostitution. Implications for treatment of both sexually abused and prostitution-involved children also are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Female prostitution and HIV/AIDS--review of the literature on epidemiology and personal observations in a contact center for drug dependent patients].

Epidemiological studies show that intravenous drug use represents the main risk for HIV/AIDS infection among female prostitutes in Germany. According to current information, HIV/AIDS infections are not more prevalent among prostitutes who are not intravenous drug users than in the general population. To establish effective preventive measures against HIV/AIDS infection, we must differentiate between two specific target groups: 1) female intravenous drug users who engage in prostitution to finance their drug addiction, and 2) female prostitutes who are not intravenous drug users. Instead of mandatory health checks by government agencies, registered female prostitutes who rarely use intravenous drugs should be offered health counseling and care. Easily accessible offers in contact centers for intravenous drug users will help HIV/AIDS prophylactic programs to reach women who engage in illegal prostitution to finance their drug addiction. Secondary HIV/AIDS preventive measures at these centers include exchange of syringes and needles, distribution of condoms, initial contact with a drug counselor, treatment of acute medical problems, physician counseling services, and facilities for HIV testing. In addition to this, substitutive therapeutic regimens as alternatives to withdrawal therapy of drug addiction would contribute effectively to HIV/AIDS prevention, particularly for intravenous drug using female prostitutes who are HIV-infected and have discontinued withdrawal therapy.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1993

[Comparative clinical, microbiologic and serologic studies of the incidence of genital and para-genital infections in prostitutes and women with mainly monogamous relations].

Legislation of the control of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in the Federal Republic of Germany covers neither the complete spectrum of venereal diseases nor all population groups of high risk. We therefore investigated not only the classic STD but also some other STD, i.e. by serologic methods syphilis, HIV infection, hepatitis A, B, C, and herpes simplex genitalis, and by microbiological methods gonococci, chlamydiae, trichomonas, genital mycoplasmas, A-streptococci, B-streptococci, gram-negative enteric bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, staphylococci, listerias and yeasts. The cohorts of women living mainly monogamously and these of prostitutes were compared. They show some differences: There are remarkable differences in the prevalence of clinical symptoms, i.e. vaginal discharge, rubor, pruritus, and genital warts, between the two cohorts and depending on the season. Fluor, rubor, and pruritus were more frequently observed in mainly monogamous women than in prostitutes. Furthermore, the causative organisms of STD were isolated in different frequencies depending on the season particularly from mainly monogamous women. Furthermore, their frequencies depend on the age of the women. Gonococci, chlamydiae, trichomonas, genital mycoplasmas, B-streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus were significantly more isolated from prostitutes than from mainly monogamous women. But, on the other hand, candida and gram-negative enterobacteria are significantly more common in mainly monogamous women than in prostitutes. There are some correlations between clinical symptoms and organisms. The prevalence of syphilis, HIV-infection, hepatitis A, B, and C in the prostitutes were 7, 0.4, 3.5, 15, and 1.6%, respectively. The most intriguing observation is the decreasing incidence of causative organisms of STD in prostitutes during the three years of study. This phenomenon promises an improvement of the health standard of prostitutes by regular medical, microbiological, serological check-ups without charge.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I/II and STD among female prostitutes in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

To determine the prevalence of HIV-1 and HTLV-I/II among female prostitutes from different areas of the city of Buenos Aires, we studied serum samples from 237 individuals (mean age: 25; range 17 to 39). Prostitutes were recruited from 16 different Buenos Aires locations with different economical status. Information on sexual behaviour, health and socioeconomic conditions was collected through a questionnaire. HIV-1 and HTLV-I/II antibodies (ab) were tested by ELISA (Abbott) and Particle agglutination (Fujirebio, Tokyo) respectively. Positive results were confirmed by immunofluorescence assay. Samples that were positive for HIV-1 antibodies were also tested for p24 antigen (Abbott). VDRL for syphilis was performed in all samples. Fifteen (6.3%) out of the 237 individuals were positive for HIV-1 antibodies. Moreover, 2 (0.8%) HIV-1 seropositive prostitutes were also positive for HTLV-I/II antibodies and for HIV p24-Ag. Even though PCR for HTLV-I/II was not performed, titration by IFA in these two samples suggests HTLV-I. Our serologic results indicate a relatively high HIV-1 infection among prostitutes working in Buenos Aires. As we previously mentioned for other risk groups, we found an association between HTLV-I/II and HIV-1 infection in this particular group. Although we did not find any significant difference between HIV-1 seropositivity and the variables analyzed through the questionnaire, the prevalence of HIV-1 infection was higher in prostitutes working in mask brothels ('sauna or massage houses') as compared with hotel or street prostitutes.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗