Sex workers are more likely to test for HIV than syphilis, despite being at high risk for both. Researchers interviewed sex workers in Uganda to find out why. Researchers in Uganda have interviewed sex workers about their experiences testing for syphilis and for HIV to identify common barriers that could be addressed to encourage regular testing. Interviews with 48 female sex workers were conducted in 4 Ugandan cities Arua, Kampala, Mbale, and Mbarara.
The women were asked what stops them from testing for syphilis and HIV, and the things that encourage them to do so. Globally, female sex workers are times more likely to get HIV than other people. They also experience high rates of sexually transmitted infections STIs , including syphilis.
But HIV testing rates tend to be higher than syphilis testing rates, even though both are still behind globally agreed targets to end the AIDS epidemic by and end the STI epidemic by Offering sex workers dual syphilis and HIV testing β which is when one test can detect both syphilis and HIV β could increase screening for both conditions. But there is a lack of knowledge on what stops sex workers from testing for syphilis, as research tends to focus on HIV.
Sex workers described healthcare workers as having uncaring, unfriendly and judgemental attitudes. They often made sex workers wait longer than other people for services. These things were an issue in relation to HIV testing, but participants still felt it was easier to ask for an HIV test than a syphilis test. Asking for a syphilis test was more likely to attract embarrassing, disrespectful and critical responses from healthcare workers.
The range of HIV testing options meant sex workers could choose to get an HIV test from clinics that were more friendly and responsive, which encouraged regular HIV testing. But there was less choice with syphilis testing. Many sex workers were scared of being seen at a HIV or sexual health clinic.
