Factors Associated with Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Sexual Workers; An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Sex workers in underdeveloped nations, due to their social marginalised working conditions, have little to no control over a variety of risk factors of unprotected sexual activity. Objectives: To measure the associated factors of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among commercial sex workers in Lahore. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study included 280 commercial sex workers from June to November 2022 in different areas of Lahore. Sample was collected by snow-ball sampling technique using a structured questionnaire. SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. To determine associations between STD status and their lifestyle preferences, chi-square test and the binary logistic test were utilized; a p value of 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among total 280 commercial sex workers, there were 60(21.4%) females, 123(43.9%) males and 97(34.6%) transgenders. One hundred and ninety (67.8%) were aware of STD's and 90(32.1%) were not. Out of 205 sex workers who underwent serological tests for STD's, 150(53.6%) were tested positive for HIV. Bivariate analysis of lifestyle choices and STD diagnosis roles of commercial sex workers showed significant association of STD status with cigarette smoking (p=0.028), alcohol abuse(p=0.038), average price charged per sexual encounter (p=0.020), use of condom (p=0.010), awareness regarding STDs(p=0.000), intent to get tested for STD(p=0.001) and seeking treatment for STDs (p=0.000). Conclusion: Sexually transmitted diseases were found in 73.2% of sexual workers. Cigarette smoking, Alcohol abuse, less average Price per sexual encounter were significantly higher in STD positive sexual workers. Regarding the knowledge of STDs, intent to get tested again and participate in prevention programs was higher in STD positive sexual workers of Lahore.