Prevalence and correlates of HIV infection among female sex workers in 2 Mexico-US border cities.

Background: We examined human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence and correlates among female sex workers (FSWs) in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, 2 large cities on the Mexico-US border.

Methods: FSWs aged > or =18 years underwent interviews and testing for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Logistic regression identified factors associated with HIV infection.

Results: In 924 FSWs, the prevalence of HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis titers > or =1:8 was 6%, 6.4%, 13%, and 14.2%, respectively. Factors independently associated with HIV were the injection of cocaine (odds ratio [OR], 2.96); the smoking, snorting, or inhalation of methamphetamine (OR, 3.32); and syphilis titers > or =1:8 (OR, 4.16).

Conclusions: Culturally appropriate interventions are needed to identify and treat ulcerative sexually transmitted infections and reduce HIV risks associated with stimulants among FSWs in the Mexico-US border region.