Document 0932
 DOCN  M94A0932
 TI    Census of commercial sex workers (CSWs) in Santos City, Brazil.
 DT    9412
 AU    Gravato N; Tellini R; Lacerda R; Martins D; Linhares A; Brito GS;
       Fernandes ME; Santos Municipal Department of Health, Brazil.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(2):248 (abstract no. PC0354). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94371643
 AB    INTRODUCTION: Santos is the most important harbor in Latin America and
       is thought to have the highest HIV seroprevalence rate in Brazil. HIV
       seroprevalence rates are especially high among female CSWs in the city,
       ranging in some studies as high as 28%. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the
       number of CSWs in the city through a census; to determine and register
       prostitution sites; to determine the characteristics of CSWs and clients
       as well as the use of drugs. METHODS: Trained health agents and peer
       educators identified actively prostitution sites in a region by the
       harbor historically known as combat zone. It was performed sentinel site
       of the number of CSWs using the estimation method. In addition
       individual interviews were performed. RESULTS: There is an estimate of
       1200 to 1400 CSWs involved with prostitution activities in the city of
       Santos. During night hours we conducted a census and 795 CSWs were
       identified in the combat zone (harbor area). A total of 285 interviews
       were performed with the following findings: 246 female CSWs and 14 male.
       11% CSWs are less than 18 years old and 23% started their sexual life
       before 15 years of age. 50% reported having an average of 2 sexual
       partners per day, 25% four partners and 25% more than 6 partners per
       day. 50% reported the use of some kind of drugs, but just 7% reported
       the injecting drug use. 83% reported the use of condoms and 39% reported
       having clients from other countries (of which 50% were from Asia).
       CONCLUSIONS: 1. The prostitution is not limited any more to the harbor
       area but is spreading to other areas of the city with different
       characteristics such as: saunas, massage houses, escort girls. 2.
       Although 83% reported the use of condoms this data needs to be better
       analyzed and evaluated. 3. An intervention among harbor workers and
       marines is urgently needed in Santos.
 DE    Adolescence  Brazil/EPIDEMIOLOGY  Epidemiologic Methods  Female  Human
       Interviews  Male  *Prostitution  Sex Behavior  Substance
       Abuse/EPIDEMIOLOGY  MEETING ABSTRACT

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