A cross-sectional study of a program for HIV infection control among public house workers

Article Abstract:

In some African cities, including Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, bar-maids and waitresses in public houses (bars, public lodgings, and restaurants) are often prostitutes. A survey conducted in 1986 revealed that a high percentage of female public workers in Dar es Salaam were infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1, which causes AIDS), as indicated by antibodies to the virus in their blood. A program that included behavioral counseling and the distribution of condoms was started in 1988 to control the spread of HIV-1 among 605 public house workers in Dar es Salaam. One year later the participants were assessed for condom use, behavioral changes, and prevalence of antibodies to HIV-1 and Treponema pallidum (which causes syphilis). Both HIV-1 and Treponema pallidum are sexually transmitted diseases. The data from the participants were compared with similar information obtained from new workers and workers from other establishments; the two latter groups served as controls. Only 40 percent of the original workers were available for re-evaluation. Those who participated in the program used condoms more frequently than the controls and their behavior, including not engaging in prostitution and not having sex with strangers or others besides those with whom they had a stable relationship, was modified. Female barmaids who participated in the program used condoms more frequently, but did not change their sexual behavior. The authors speculate that the poor economy in this area is a significant factor in this outcome. However, the study indicates that programs aimed at controlling the spread of HIV-1 can be effective. Additional prevention programs are needed, as well as programs aimed at social and economic change. To provide opportunities for alternative employment for prostitutes, education and technical training, job development and job placement assistance are especially important. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Sexually transmitted diseases, Social policy, Prostitutes, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (City)

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HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I/II and Treponema pallidum infections: incidence, prevalence, and HIV-2-associated mortality in an occupational cohort in Guinea-Bissau

Article Abstract:

The incidence and prevalence of HIV-2 infection in Guinea-Bissau was high between 1990 and 1992, while the incidence of HIV-1 was high but its prevalence was low. Incidence indicates the percentage of new cases over time while prevalence indicates the percentage of cases at a particular time. Researchers studied the incidence and prevalence of HIV-1, HIV-2, human T-lymphotropic virus type (HTLV) I/II, and syphilitic infection among 1,384 police officers in Guinea-Bissau. The prevalence of HIV-1 was 0.4%, of HIV-2 was 11.6%, and of HTLV I/II was 4.4%. HIV-2 was more common among women than men. The incidence of HIV-2 was 1.6 new cases per 100 person-years, while that of HIV-1 was 0.7 new cases per 100 person-years. The discrepancy between incidence and prevalence of HIV-1 infection indicates a rise in the spread of the infection. HIV-2 infections were associated with HTLV-I/II infections. Death rates were significantly higher among HIV-2 infected officers than among HIV negative officers.

Syphilis, HTLV infections, Guinea-Bissau

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Decline in the prevalence of HIV-1 infection in young women in the Kagera region of Tanzania

Article Abstract:

The number of people infected with HIV in the Kagera region of Tanzania has dropped significantly since 1987. This may be due to extensive interventions promoting behavioral change since the first cases were reported in 1983. In the town of Bukoba, the percentage of HIV-infected residents dropped from 24% in 1987 to 18% in 1993. The decline was greatest in women, dropping over 10 percentage points overall. The rate in women between 15 and 24 years old dropped the most, from 28% to 11%. Among rural residents, the rates in these young women dropped from 10% to 3%.

Health aspects, Statistics, Africans

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