AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #346 - Viral hepatitis and drug/alcohol abuse: a pradigmatic survey of HIV infected and non infected female sex workers in Nigeria
Authors: Presenting Author: Mr. Wasiu Aremu Bello - Amuwo odofin local Government Council
Additional Authors: Mr. Kamorudeen Ogunbadejo, Mr. Olawale Oguntoye,
Aim: Alcohol and drug abuse are prevalent in the population of HIV infected adults and this presents a direct assault to the liver in person affected with or without viral hepatitis. The objective of this study is to evaluate the possibilities of HIV and VIRAL HEPATITIS co-infection and mono-infection among FSWs in Nigeria. Multiple studies show that HBV co-infection represents the most significant cause of liver diseases in HIV infected persons and a major cause of death in AIDS.
Method / Issue: Individual FSWs were interviewed during HIV prevention activities targeting Most at Risk Population (MARPs) in Lagos Nigeria under Abdjan-Lagos Corridor Organization Project funded by Global Fund. Brothel based FSWs responded to risk assessment data collected during HIV counseling and testing services provided for them. The report of follow up activities on FSWs referred for ART, TB and STIs also form part of this study.
Results / Comments: 260 FSWs were tested for HIV after the interview, 55% were less than 25 years of age, 40% had experience forced or violent sex, 60% had anal sex and clients refusing condom was high. 56% uses drug orally, all the respondents takes alcohol and smoke cigarette. 65% had drug users clients. 17 people who tested positive to HIV were referred for ART, 29 of them were referred for STIs and 7 for TB services.3 people referred for ART also tested positive to HBV, this was discovered during the follow up process.
Discussion: Drug abuse/alcohol, anal sex, STIs, TB, high rate of clients rejecting condom can make FSWs vulnerable to HIV, HVB/HVC co-infections and mono-infection. Therefore, the position of this paper is that, HIV prevention intervention targeting this group should also include screening of viral hepatitis to prevent further spread and reduce morbidity rate.
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