Understanding the Triple Burden of HIV, Noncommunicable Diseases, and Mental Health Conditions Among Female Sex Workers With HIV in the Dominican Republic.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and mental health conditions among female sex workers with HIV in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey, blood draw, and medical exam with women (n = 200) recruited by peer navigators. We determined prevalence and used multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationship between conditions.ResultsMean participant age was 46.1 years (SD: 9.15). Most participants (89.0%) were virally suppressed. Diabetes prevalence was 7.0% and hypertension was 63.0%. Nearly half reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms (46.0%) and over half (65.8%) anxiety. Women with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were over 4 times more likely to be virally unsuppressed (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=4.17 [95% CI: 1.37-12.68]) and over 3 times more likely to have diabetes (aOR=3.45 [95% CI: 1.00-11.91]).ConclusionFindings indicate the need for holistic, integrated healthcare models to address multiple health conditions and support overall wellbeing.