       Document 0230
 DOCN  M9590230
 TI    Survey of STDs, including HIV, amongst sex workers in northern Thailand.
 DT    9509
 AU    Gray J; Effler P; Supawitkul S; Kaldor J; National Centre for HIV Social
       Research, Macquarie University,; North Ryde, Sydney.
 SO    Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1994 Nov 3-6;6:296 (unnumbered poster).
       Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASHM6/95291869
 AB    OBJECTIVES: To estimate prevalence and incidence of STDs, including HIV
       amongst sex workers in Thailand. METHODOLOGY: Data was obtained from an
       STD clinic attached to a district hospital in northern Thailand. Records
       were abstracted for every medical visit by every female sex worker
       between 1988 and 1993. Information obtained from each sex worker
       included age, ethnicity, and length of time employed in the sex
       industry. SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Over the study period 850 sex workers were
       seen at the clinic. Preliminary analyses indicate a high level of a
       range of STD infections and in particular a dramatic rise in the
       incidence of HIV in 1990-1991. There is also an indication that STD
       incidence decreased in 1993. Ethnicity appeared to be associated with
       STD incidence. CONCLUSION: A high level of STDs amongst sex workers in
       northern Thailand has been documented. Prior to the HIV epidemic little
       attention was paid to the sexual health of sex workers. It is clear that
       there has been a decrease in STD levels in the past year, indicating
       some success of intervention strategies.
 DE    Cross-Sectional Studies  *Developing Countries  Female  Human  HIV
       Infections/*EPIDEMIOLOGY/TRANSMISSION  Incidence
       Prostitution/*STATISTICS & NUMER DATA  Rural Population/*STATISTICS &
       NUMER DATA  Sexually Transmitted Diseases/*EPIDEMIOLOGY/TRANSMISSION
       Thailand/EPIDEMIOLOGY  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

