Evaluating the vertical HIV transmission risks among South African female sex workers; have we forgotten PMTCT in their HIV programming?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Female sex workers (FSW) have a greater HIV burden compared to other reproductive-aged women and experience high incidence of pregnancies. However, there are limited data on mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the context of sex work. This study assessed the uptake of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services to understand the vertical HIV transmission risks among FSW in South Africa.

Methods

FSW ≥18 years were recruited into a cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) between October 2014-April 2015 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. An interviewer-administered questionnaire captured information on demographics, reproductive health histories, and HIV care, including engagement in PMTCT care and ART. HIV and pregnancy testing

SUBMITTER: Twahirwa Rwema JO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6538543 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature