Reproductive Tract Infections among Female Sex Workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Background: Reproductive Tract Infections are among the world's major diseases associated with HIV. Female Sex Workers are at increased risk of reproductive tract infections and HIV because of the nature of their work. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of reproductive tract infections, HIV and co-infections among female sex workers. Methods: The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam (capital and largest city of Tanzania). Female sex workers were recruited using the Respondent Driven Sampling. From female sex workers, we collected data on background characteristics, sexual and behavioral practices and results from biological samples. Main analysis was univariate to get point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were adjusted for social network size and recruitment patterns using RDS-Analyst (Respondent Driven Sampling Analysis) computer software. Results: We recruited 537 female sex workers; with almost three quarters aged less than 35 years. More than half of female sex workers started selling sex at less than 25 years of age. The estimated vaginal and anal sex condom use was about 85% and over 75% respectively. Alcohol and non-injection drug use was reported high, 68% and 61% respectively. The prevalence of any reproductive tract infections among FSWs was 64%, HIV 32%, Bacterial vaginosis 20% and gonorrhea 10%. Also, the prevalence of double and triple co-infections was observed in 20% and 5% of female sex workers respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of reproductive tract infections and HIV among female sex workers in Dar es Salaam are very high. These results imply considering strategies targeting female sex workers population with a routine health education, mobile reproductive tract infections clinics tailored together with HIV and reproductive tract infections interventions.