Syphilis seroprevalence and associated factors: A cross-sectional study in formal female sex workers in a province of Peru

Abstract

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) considered a public health problem that affects vulnerable and at-risk populations, such as sex workers. We designed a retrospective cross-sectional study based on the review of health evaluation records of sex workers who attended consultations to obtain comprehensive health cards at a Health Center in the Province of San Vicente de Cañete in Peru during the year 2020. We obtained sociodemographic and employment information and the RPR (rapid plasma reagin) test results to diagnose syphilis. We evaluated 220 records of sex workers with a mean age of 27.9 ± 6.9 years and the initiation of sexual relations of 16.0 ± 1.6 years, while the accumulated time they had as sex workers was 2.9 ± 2.4 years. 85.9% of those evaluated reported being heterosexual. The prevalence of syphilis was 7.3% (CI95: 4.2%–11.5%). Being a homosexual sex worker was significantly associated with syphilis (OR: 19.6; 95% CI: 4.8–80.0) compared to heterosexuals. The prevalence of syphilis presented a value similar to that reported in other Latin American and national studies, and it is evident that it is a health problem among sex workers.