The estimated HIV seroprevalence among women

in Guinea was 3.9% in 2005, and in 2002 it was 42% among FSWs, making them the most at-risk group for HIV infection in Guinea and PI3K Inhibitor Library datasheet the target of prevention efforts for the past several years [28,29]. Our aim was to describe the acceptability of VCT in this vulnerable and highly infected population. Unlike previous studies that only assessed the intention to receive the test, we investigated actual acceptance of the test, return for test results, intention to notify serostatus and actual disclosure of serostatus. We also investigated the consequences of VCT and potential violence associated with testing. We argue that, in a vulnerable population such as FSWs, acceptability of VCT not only hinges on individual factors, but is also deeply entrenched in social factors. FSWs, defined as women who admitted to having had sexual relations in exchange for money in the preceding

month, were recruited between May and July 2005 at private or public centres providing adapted healthcare services (AHS). These services are part of Guinea’s strategy to fight HIV/AIDS and were implemented in 2002 and 2003. AHS offer medical care and assistance adapted to the specific needs of FSWs and are integrated into antenatal clinics or general health care to avoid stigma. Condom and lubricants, communication for behavioural change, and free STI screening and treatment are made available for FSWs and their clients in AHS. FSWs are expected to visit an AHS at least once a month Bafetinib cost in order to have a valid health booklet. FSWs either go to the AHS by themselves (active STI screening) or are brought by nongovernmental organizations or by the police (passive STI screening). In fact, the validity of this booklet is verified by the police during police raids at sex work sites (brothels, bars, etc.). All three AHS in Conakry were included in this study for the recruitment of participants. All FSWs presenting at the AHS by themselves or with others were eligible for the study

and were invited to participate. When an FSW was identified, AHS health professionals Fossariinae directed the potential participant to our research staff, who explained the study in detail. Informed consent was obtained from willing participants and a face-to-face interview including a questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers. Following the interview, a nurse or a midwife trained in VCT carried out the pre-test counselling and collected a blood sample for HIV testing for those who accepted testing. Test results were available the following day for those who underwent VCT and the women could return at any time for their HIV test result and post-test counselling session. In general, the post-test session was conducted by the same counsellor involved in the pre-test session. One year later, attempts were made to contact participants at both the AHS and their worksites in order to improve retention.