Resum
Objective To study socio-demographics, sexual
practices, drug use behaviors, and prevalences of HIV,
syphilis, hepatitis B and C, HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 in
immigrant (foreigner) and non-immigrant (local/native)
female sex workers (FSW). Design This was a cross-
sectional study in immigrant and non-immigrant FSW living
in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Participants were interviewed
using a standardized questionnaire. Results A total of 625
FSW were enrolled, of whom 169 (27%) were immigrant
FSW from Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Peru,
and Uruguay. The prevalence of syphilis and hepatitis C
was significantly higher among Argentinean FSW than
among immigrant FSW. However, hepatitis B prevalence
was higher among immigrant FSW. Adjusted risk factor
analysis comparing immigrant FSW with Argentinean FSW
indicated that marital status (single), occupation (none), fee
per sex act (BUS$7), workplace (bar and cabaret), and
anal sex with clients were significantly associated with
immigrant FSW status. Conclusions Effective HIV/STI prevention and medical care programs need to be tailored to the specific needs of both FSW groups in Argentina.