Hi vanb
The researchers are trying to bring attention to the growing level of HIV/AIDS in the Vancouver area. They have not done their own research but instead have placed data from other studies into a computer program (UNAIDS/WHO Estimation and Projection Package (EPP)).
The groups that they looked at were injection drug users (IDU), men who have sex with men (MSM), street based female sex trade workers (FSW), and the general population.
I believe it is good that they have brought the issue forward as they are recommending that “evidence-based prevention and harm reduction strategies should be expanded”.
I think a problem with the research is with their use of female sex trade workers (FSW). The data they have used is from the following studies.
Strathdee SA, Patrick DM, Currie S, et al.:
Needle exchange is not enough: lessons from the Vancouver injection drug use.
Rekart ML:
Trends in HIV seroprevalence among street-involved persons in Vancouver, Canada (1988–1992).
Shannon K, Bright V, Duddy J, et al.:
HIV vulnerabilities of women engaged in survival sex work in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
This indicates that the group of FSW they are estimating for are street based survival sex workers in the downtown eastside. The majority of sex work is indoors e.g. independents, escorts, massage parlors etc. Their estimates for HIV among FSW would not cover this majority group.
I think they had the best intentions of expressing concern for at risk groups. I just think that anyone reading the article could think that this applied to all sex workers. This does have the potential of keeping the stigma around sex work rather than helping it.
Let us know if you want us to expand on a topic. Remember if you would like to ask me a personal question just send me a PM.
HN
www.stiresource.com
