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1. Prevalence and Correlates of Physical and Sexual Violence among Female Sex Workers in Tanzania: Findings from the 2013 National HIV/STI Biological and Behavioral Survey AUTHORS: Lung Vu1, Kavita Misra2, Bongo Mgeni2, Daniel Michaels2, Melissa Higbie2, and Rena Greifinger1 1. Population Services International (PSI), Washington; 2. Population Services International (PSI), Tanzania; Contact: lung.vu@gmail.com Poster number: MOPE216 Results Background Summary of key findings: • Physical violence was significantly higher among FSWs who: sold sex on street [AOR=1.5;95%CI:1.03-2.1]; used alcohol (AOR=1.6; 95%CI:1.3-2.1); used drugs (AOR=2.5; 95%CI:1.7-3.5); and had STI symptoms (AOR=1.6; 95%CI:1.3-2.1). • Sexual violence was significantly higher among FSWs who: used alcohol (AOR=1.7; 95%CI:1.2-2.3) and had STI symptoms (AOR=1.6; 95%CI:1.2-2.1). • Consistent condom use was significantly lower among FSWs who experienced sexual violence [(AOR=0.5; 95%CI 0.4-0.7]. Key characteristics of the respondents Data on sexual and physical violence among female sex workers (FSWs) are limited in Tanzania. We analyzed the first national HIV Bio-behavioral Survey data to examine prevalence and correlates of physical and sexual violence in this population. Quantifying the problem and understanding its effects on HIV infection and risk are important for policies and programming. • Median age: 26 years old • Most were single • 34% experienced physical violence and 25% experienced sexual violence, perpetrated by their clients (past 6 months) • Consistent condom use with clients (past 30 days) was low (36%) • 19% consumed alcohol and 11% used drugs during sex (past week) • 26% reported having STI symptoms (past 1 year) • Average HIV prevalence was 26%; Syphilis was 7%; and HSV-2 was 56% Methods Table 1: Factors associated with physical and sexual violence (multiple logistic regression) A total of 1914 FSWs aged ≥15 years who reported selling sex in the last 3 months and living in 7 regions: Dar es Salaam, Iringa, Mbeya, Mwanza, Tabora, Shinyanga and Mara were recruited through respondent-driven sampling (March-September, 2013). The survey elicited information on HIV risks and participants were tested for HIV and STIs. Participants were asked if they had experienced physical violence and forced sex in the past six months and who the perpetrator was. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using pooled data to ascertain prevalence and correlates of physical and sexual violence perpetrated by FSWs’ clients. CONCLUSIONS • Findings demonstrate that FSWs are highly vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse by their commercial clients and are at greater risk of violence if they are street-based, use alcohol or drugs. • Reducing physical and sexual violence among FSWs, including strategies on how to increase their safety, should be a critical component of HIV prevention efforts. Acknowledgements: The study was funded by the Global Fund and USAID and implemented by Population Services International in partnership with the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, Tanzania. We thank all field workers, interviewers, and participants of this study. PSI■■ 1120 19TH STREET, NW | SUITE 600 WASHINGTON, DC 20036PSI.ORG