Safe sex program may lead to fewer HIV cases among female sex workers

A new intervention program established along the U.S.-Mexico boarder is expected to result in fewer female sex workers contracting HIV, according to a report published in PLoS ONE.

During a recent study, researchers observed how participation in such a program could affect the number of HIV cases reported in that area. Mujer Segura or Healthy Women is a 35-minute long presentation that teaches attendees about safe sex practices and negotiation methods to convince clients to use condoms.

Using a hypothetical group of 1,000 women, the team discovered that if sex workers went to the program once in their lifetime, approximately 33 new cases of the virus might be prevented. For those who attended annually, another 29 new cases of HIV could be prevented.

The researchers concluded that similar programs could help women recognize the mortality rate of HIV and motivate them to push for practicing safe sex.

Thomas Patterson, a co-author of the study, stated that "for many of these women, the reason they are sex workers is to make enough money to feed their children." He added that "taking precautions to avoid HIV infection means [the women] will live longer and be able to take care of their children."

Currently, women make up 27 percent of newly diagnosed HIV cases in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.