Cervical human papillomavirus infection among female sex workers in southern Vietnam.

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women in southern Vietnam where its incidence is one of the highest observed worldwide.

RESULTS

Cervical HPV DNA infection was measured in a cross-sectional sample of 282 female sex workers (FSW) in Soc Trang province in southern Vietnam. HPV DNA was detected in 85% of FSW and prevalence did not vary by age. Thirty-five HPV genotypes were detected; HPV 52 was the most common type. Half of HPV-positive women were infected with oncogenic types and 37% were infected with multiple genotypes. The prevalence of oncogenic HPV infection was lower among FSW with more formal education (adj. prevalence ratio = 0.63, 95% CI 0.42-0.93), those servicing 25 or more clients per month (adj. PR = 0.66 95% CI 0.48-0.92), and those engaging in withdrawal prior to ejaculation (adj. PR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.53-0.87). Oncogenic HPV prevalence was higher among FSW with regular male partners who had other female partners (adj. PR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.34-2.28) and FSW who were HIV+ (adj. PR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.08-1.88).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that although cervical HPV infection is extremely common among FSW in southern Vietnam, prevalence varies by education level, sexual activity, habits of regular partners, and HIV status.