Sex Workers in the Context of Sexually Transmitted Infections: An Evaluation of Rapid Test Markers and Risk Factors

This is a field study, of descriptive and quantitative approach, with transversal characteristics. The objective was to identify the rapid test markers for Anti-HCV, HBsAG, Syphilis and HIV and risk factors for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) of the prostitutes of the city of Cacoal / RO. The sample consisted of 16 sex workers who work in the brothels in the municipality of Cacoal / RO. The research data were collected through the application of a questionnaire composed of 17 questions, along with informed consent form (TCLE), and then the professionals were referred for rapid testing with the trained nurse practitioner. It was observed that 16 (100 %) of the interviewees were female, with a mean age of 27.4 years, 8 (50 %) of the sex workers completed high school, 2 (12.5 %) have incomplete higher education and 1 (6.2 %) complete higher education. When questioned about the number of partners, 6 (37.5 %) attended at least 2 clients per day. Of the 6 (37.5 %) sex workers who had a vaccination card, had a vaccine scheme for hepatitis B virus, 15 (93.8 %) had negative results for the STIs investigated, and 1 (6.2 %) presented a syphilis reagent result, which was sent to the UBS for investigation, diagnosis and treatment. The main risk factors were non-use of condoms in some sexual relationships, lack of vaccination cards and lack of knowledge about STI transmission routes.