Conceived and designed the experiments: SMM. Demographic, behavioral and clinical data were collected using a standardized form. Data was analyzed by year and health center. Separate multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to investigate factors associated with HIV infection and program retention. HIV prevalence varied from 0. Attending the Puerto Barrios clinic, having a current syphilis infection, working primarily on the street, and using the telephone or internet to contact clients were associated with HIV infection.
In retention varied across locations from 7. Factors negatively impacting retention included current HIV diagnosis, having practiced sex work in another country, being born in Honduras, and attending Marco Antonio Foundation or Quetzaltenango clinic sites. Systematic time trends did not emerge, however and were characterized by reduced retention. Our data show local differences in HIV prevalence and clinic attendance that can be used to prioritize prevention activities targeting FSW in Guatemala.
VICITS achieved rapid scale-up; however, a better understanding of the causes of low return rates is urgently needed. In , HIV prevalence was reported at 4. The behavioral surveillance survey from reported an HIV prevalence of 1.
They provide more extensive services for the prevention, diagnosis, care, and treatment of STIs to FSW than the general population. These specific services include a comprehensive physical examination with gynecological and anal examinations, laboratory diagnosis of STIs, STI counseling, and access to STI medications and condoms.
By law, FSW working in Guatemala must register routine visits to health centers in an official booklet to certify that they do not have an STI infection [9]. Specialized counseling for FSW is also provided by health personnel who receive periodic trainings in stigma and discrimination and who have an awareness and understanding of the implication of stigma in creating obstacles to effective HIV prevention.
