HYGIENE Practices, Risk Behavior, and Molecular Detection of Sexually Transmitted Viruses Among Pink Card-Issued Sex Workers in Davao CITY

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between hygienic practices, risk behaviors, and sexually transmitted viruses (STV) prevalence among sex workers holding Pink Cards in Davao City. Human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) were the focal STVs investigated. Utilizing a snowball sampling technique, the researcher gathered data from 30 participants. Surveys were conducted to collect socio-demographic data, hygiene practices, and risk behaviors . Additionally, Urine  samples were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of HPV, HSV-1, and HSV-2. The study revealed that the hygiene practice of the participants had an average score of 3.30 and a standard deviation of 0.49, indicating a moderate level overall and the level of sexual risk behaviors among the respondents is revealed, with an overall mean of 2.23 and a standard deviation of 0.37, indicating rare manifestations of risky sexual behaviors. All participants tested negative for the targeted viruses in the molecular testing. Analysis showed no significant relationship between socio-demographic factors and STV prevalence, nor were there significant differences in sexual hygiene practices and risk behaviors among different demographic groups. These findings suggest that despite the high-risk nature of their profession, the sex workers in this sample did not exhibit high STV prevalence, highlighting the importance of continued research and targeted interventions for effective STV prevention and management in this population.