Risk of HIV infection among male sex workers in Spain

• Published in: Sexually transmitted infections Vol. 81; no. 1; pp. 85 - 88
• Main Author: Belza, M J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01-02-2005; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Group
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Bisexuality - ethnology; Bisexuality - statistics & numerical data; Condoms - utilization; Cross-dressers; Female; General aspects; Heterosexuality; HIV; HIV Infections - epidemiology; HIV Infections - ethnology; Homosexuality, Male - ethnology; Homosexuality, Male - statistics & numerical data; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human infectious diseases. Experimental studies and models; Human viral diseases; Humans; Immigrants; Infections; Infectious diseases; Male; male sex workers; Medical sciences; Medical tests; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; prostitution; Regression analysis; Risk Factors; Sex industry; Sex Work - ethnology; Sex Work - statistics & numerical data; Sex Workers; Sexual intercourse; Spain; Spain - epidemiology; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the lymphoid tissue and the blood. Aids; Europe; Spain; Latin America; Infection; Human; Immunopathology; Prostitution; Sexually transmitted disease; Viral disease; Risk factor; Male; AIDS; Immune deficiency; Epidemiology; Public health
• ISSN: 1368-4973; 1472-3263
• DOI: 10.1136/sti.2003.008649

Objective: To assess HIV prevalence and predictive factors for HIV among male sex workers in Spain. Methods: In this study we analysed all male sex workers who visited HIV testing clinics in 19 Spanish cities between 2000 and 2002. The information was obtained during examination by means of a brief questionnaire. For repeating testers, only the last confirmed result was taken into account. Results: 418 male sex workers were included in the analysis; 58% visited these clinics for the first time and 42% were repeating testers. 67% were of foreign origin, mostly from Latin America (91%). 96% had had sex with men, 18% were transvestites or transsexuals, and 3.3% had used injected drugs. HIV prevalence was 12.2% (95% CI, 9.3 to 15.8%), and rose to 16.9% among first time testers. No differences in HIV prevalence were found between injecting drug users, transvestites/transsexuals, and men from foreign countries. Conclusion: Because of the high risk of HIV infection, male sex workers should be the target of specific preventive activities. Preventive and healthcare strategies that are culturally adapted to migrants are required.