Abstract: Objective To understand epidemiologic characteristics and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS) epidemic trend in female sex workers in Luannan County. Methods Questionnaires investigation and serological testing were conducted among 400 female sex workers. In accordance with the requirements of the National AIDS sentinel surveillance program. Results The average age of the female sex workers was 28.62. In all these female sex workers, unmarred accounted for 57.25%. Those from Hebei Province accounted for 67.00% and those from other provinces accounted for 33.00%. The subjects who received only junior high school education accounted for 60.00%. AIDS prevention and awareness rats was 88.00%. Rate of condom use during the last sexual intercourse was 56.75%. Only 4 subjects had drug use behavior, but did not inject. In the last year, 298 subjects (74.50%) received the knowledge about AIDS prevention services. Two cases were positive for syphilis antibody and 9 cases were positive for hepatitis C virus(HCV) antibody positive in serological testing, but none of the cases was human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) positive. Conclusion There was a gap between female sex workers and normal control in rates of condom use and AIDS awareness. The methods of behavioral intervention should be changed, peer education services should be strengthened to promote their behavior changes. Meanwhile, education for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases should be strengthened.

Key words: acquired immune deficiency syndrome, sentinel surveillance, female sex workers