Sexual habits and social factors in local Ghanaian prostitutes which could affect the spread of Human Immu- nodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Abstract

One hundred and sixteen prostitutes working locally in Accra (Tema were interviewed as to their sexual habits. A major finding was that only one used condoms regularly. The average number of clients was 3-4 per week in the higher socio-economic status group and 16 per week in the lower socio-economic class. Less than 1% were positive for HIV infection in February 1986 and 0% of 241 blood donors were positive. These findings indicated that the HIV infection rate was still very low and a preventive education campaign could be effective in reducing the spread of the disease into Ghana.