Prevalence of abnormal Pap Smear among Hillbrow Sex Workers

Sex workers are the most marginalised and stigmatised group of women. The nature of the industry of “selling sex” to multiple sexual partners has a ripple effect on the health of people involved in the sex work cycle. Sex workers are considered to be a high risk group in the acquisition and transmission of STIs which include Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Out of fear of being ridiculed at health care facilities, are unable to visit health facilities for routine health check-ups resulting in delayed health intervention. The monograph seeks to describe the prevalence of abnormal pap-smear among sex workers in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, South Africa. Additionally, describe the difference between Pap smear results between HIV positive and negative sex workers. However, further studies are required to explore the sexual health of sex workers that may influence a review on the National Cervical Cancer Screening Policy to take into consideration the needs of high risk population, such as sex workers.