A cross-sectional survey of attitudes to HIV risk and rapid HIV testing among clients of sex workers in Switzerland. Issue 6 (24th May 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Darling, Katharine E A; Diserens, Esther-Amélie; N'Garambe, Chantal; Ansermet-Pagot, Anne; Masserey, Eric; Cavassini, Matthias; Bodenmann, Patrick
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 88:Issue 6(2012)
• Page Start: 462
• Page End: 464
• Publication Date: 2012-05-24
• Subjects: Clients -- sex workers -- rapid HIV testing -- Switzerland -- HIV testing -- infectious diseases -- migration; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2012-050489
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To assess attitudes to HIV risk and acceptability of rapid HIV testing among clients of street-based female sex workers (FSW) in Lausanne, Switzerland, where HIV prevalence in the general population is 0.4%. Methods: The authors conducted a cross-sectional study in the red light district of Lausanne for five nights in September of 2008, 2009 and 2010. Clients of FSW were invited to complete a questionnaire in the street assessing demographic characteristics, attitudes to HIV risk and HIV testing history. All clients interviewed were then offered anonymous finger stick rapid HIV testing in a van parked on-site. Results: The authors interviewed 112, 127 and 79 clients in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. All were men, average age 32–37 years old; 40–60% were in a stable relationship. History of unprotected sex was higher with non-commercial partners (33–50%) than with FSW (6–11%); 29–46% of clients had never undergone an HIV test. Anonymous rapid HIV testing was accepted by 45–50% of clients. Out of 109 HIV tests conducted during the three study periods, none was reactive. Conclusions: On-site HIV counselling and testing is acceptable among clients of FSW in this urban setting. These individuals represent an unquantified population, a proportion of which has an incomplete understanding of HIV risk in the face of high-risk behaviour, with implications for potential onward transmission to non-commercial sexual partners.