For almost every given year, sexually transmitted diseases prove to be a menace in most countries. This is a global threat to the sexual and reproductive health in both genders. Most of sexually transmitted diseases are treatable if discovered early and treated properly. However, lack of this results to death or other lifelong complications.
Health Statistics in China
In 2013 statistics by the ministry of health in China recorded that there was an alarming high increase of STIs since 1979. Commercial sex was also increasingly becoming acceptable as a source of income. Sex trade in China is openly illegal and any person caught conducting this trade is prosecuted. Commercial sex trade is thus conducted in hiding. The increase in commercial sex work has led to an increase in STDs and viral Hepatitis among the female sexual workers.
According to a recent study by Sue et al published online by BMC (BioMed Central), there is an increased risk of Chinese female sex workers contracting STI’s and Hepatitis. The study was conducted between January 2000 and December 2011 using four electronic samples in English and Chinese. The Meta-analysis was performed as per PRISMA instruction statement issued in the 2009 checklist.
The study revealed that between the year 2000-2011, the number of people who tested positive to hepatitis B was at 15.5%, while that of hepatitis C was at 1.3%, based on blood test among the female sex workers. The most common infection was the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) at 27.0% while the second recorded was herpes simplex virus-2 at 15.8%. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and genital warts followed in prevalence.
Other Factors Associated with Sex Trade in China
Most female sex workers are involved in abuse of drugs and substance abuse. They are also associated with having multiple sexual partners and unsafe sexual behaviors. When compared to the rest of China’s population, this group seems to be the most affected.
China Center of Disease Control routinely conducts checks on the spread of STI’s mainly syphilis and gonorrhea. Research conducted by other private bodies on several occasions at the present and earlier on show that STI’s and hepatitis are a major issue among the female sex workers in China. Transmission of these infections to male workers might have a long term effect to the general female population.
Findings of the Research
Hepatitis B and C recorded the highest infections in China while genital warts were recorded to affect very few female sex workers. The study also found that South West and Central China were the regions most affected by Hepatitis B and C. The research found that if this prevalence is not controlled there will be a national crisis. The study noted a decrease in syphilis and Chlamydia, probably because these two infections are easily treatable.
According to the study, female sex workers are generally more than the male workers, however, men are at a higher risk of transmitting the STI’s to the general public. It was interesting to note that majority of Chinese women and especially female sex workers are not familiar with HPV vaccine and this could be a major cause for the high prevalence.
Our Thoughts on the Study
The research seems conclusive and it’s imperative that Hepatitis and STIs among female sex workers should be controlled as the prevalence of hepatitis and STIs remains high. Proper methods of control and prevention like frequent STD testing and HIV tests need to be put in place in regards to female sexual workers precisely those with HIV infection. Other preventive methods like HIV PrEP and HIV PEP are also important solutions that should be considered.
Read the study here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4702370/pdf/12879_2015_Article_1322.pdf