scholarly journals Factors associated with use of long-acting reversible contraception among female sex workers operating in Gulu district, Northern Uganda – a cross-sectional study

Author(s):  
Simple Ouma ◽  
Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye ◽  
Catherine Abbo ◽  
Rawlance Ndejjo

Abstract Background: Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) are the most effective and reliable contraceptives for female sex workers (FSWs) and require periodic users’ involvement only at the time of application or re-application. However, information on LARC use among FSWs in Uganda is scarce. To fill this gap, we determined the prevalence of LARC use among FSWs and examined factors associated with LARC use among FSWs operating in Gulu district, Northern Uganda.Methods: Across-sectional study was conducted among 300 FSWs aged 18 years and above and operating in Gulu district. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to measure factors associated with the use of LARC: intrauterine device (IUD), Implants, and injectables. Data analyses were conducted using STATA 14.0 and restricted to 280 non-gravid adult FSWs aged 18-49 years who were not on permanent contraception method. To examine factors associated with LARC use, prevalence ratios (PR) with robust standard errors were computed using Poisson regression.Results: Among the participants, the mean age (SD, range) was 26.5 (5.9, 18 - 45) years, 53.2% never married, 66.1% reported consistent condom use independent of LARC, 58.9% had unintended pregnancy during a lifetime, 48.6% had at least one unintended pregnancy during sex work, and 37.4% had at least one induced abortion. The prevalence of LARC use was 58.6%; the majority were using Implants (48.2%), followed by injectables (42.7%), and IUDs (9.1%). Independent factors associated with LARC use included: longer duration of sex work [≥ two years] (adjusted PR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.03-2.02), higher parity [≥ two] (adjusted PR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.02-1.26), history of unintended pregnancy during sex work (adjusted PR=1.24 CI: 1.01-1.51), and being a brothel/lodge-based FSWs (adjusted PR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.01-1.63).Conclusions: There is a big gap in LARC use with only 58.6% of FSWs using LARC. LARC use was associated with longer duration of sex work, higher parity, history of sex work-related unintended pregnancy, and being a brothel/lodge-based FSW. Therefore, interventions to improve LARC use should intensively target the newly recruited FSWs, FSWs with low parity, and FSWs not based in brothels or lodges.

2015 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dipak Suryawanshi ◽  
Varun Sharma ◽  
Niranjan Saggurti ◽  
Shalini Bharat

SummaryFemale sex workers (FSWs) are vulnerable to HIV infection. Their socioeconomic and behavioural vulnerabilities are crucial push factors for movement for sex work. This paper assesses the factors associated with the likelihood of movement of sex workers from their current place of work. Data were derived from a cross-sectional survey conducted among 5498 mobile FSWs in 22 districts of high in-migration across four states in southern India. A multinomial logit model was constructed to predict the likelihood of FSWs moving from their current place of work. Ten per cent of the sampled mobile FSWs were planning to move from their current place of sex work. Educational attainment, marital status, income at current place of work, debt, sexual coercion, experience of violence and having tested for HIV and collected the results were found to be significant predictors of the likelihood of movement from the current place of work. Consistent condom use with different clients was significantly low among those planning to move. Likewise, the likelihood of movement was significantly higher among those who had any STI symptom in the last six months and those who had a high self-perceived risk of HIV. The findings highlight the need to address factors associated with movement among mobile FSWs as part of HIV prevention and access to care interventions.


2016 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shira M. Goldenberg ◽  
Godfrey Muzaaya ◽  
Monica Akello ◽  
Paul Nguyen ◽  
Josephine Birungi ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (3) ◽  
pp. 193-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Tokar ◽  
Iana Sazonova ◽  
Sharmistha Mishra ◽  
Pavlo Smyrnov ◽  
Tetiana Saliuk ◽  
...  

ObjectivesUkraine has one of the largest HIV epidemics in Europe, with high prevalence among female sex workers (FSWs). We aimed to identify factors associated with HIV testing and receipt of the test result in the last 12 months, HIV prevalence and self-reported positive status among FSWs in Ukraine.MethodsWe used data from an Integrated Bio-Behavioural Survey among FSWs conducted in 2013–2014. The survey methodology combined three sampling strategies: time and location sampling, respondent-driven sampling and key informant recruitment. We used multivariable regression to identify factors associated with self-reported HIV testing in the last 12 months, HIV prevalence and self-reported positive status among FSWs living with HIV. Explored factors included: age, age at first sex, age at entry into sex work, education, marital status, employment status beside sex work, condom use with last paying or non-paying sexual partner, drug or alcohol consumption and sex work venue.ResultsRecent HIV testing was low overall with only 63.2% of FSWs reported having tested and received their test result in the last 12 months prior to the survey. HIV prevalence was 7.1% overall, but only 45.0% of FSWs living with HIV were aware of their HIV status. Testing in the last 12 months with receipt of test result was less common among FSWs who used drugs ever in life (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.7, 95% CI 0.6 to 0.9), women soliciting clients indoors (AOR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7 to 0.9) and those not using a condom with last paying sexual partner (AOR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.5). HIV positivity was associated with history of ever using drugs (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.6) and soliciting clients outdoors (AOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.0). Women working indoors were less aware of their positive status (AOR 0.1, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.9).ConclusionHIV prevalence is high among FSWs in Ukraine, and testing and knowledge of one’s status remain insufficient. HIV testing programmes need to expand with strategies to reach specific subgroups of FSWs.


Addiction ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 108 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan D. Morris ◽  
Hector Lemus ◽  
Karla D. Wagner ◽  
Gustavo Martinez ◽  
Remedios Lozada ◽  
...  

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 923
Author(s):  
Luiz Fernando Almeida Machado ◽  
Jacqueline Cortinhas Monteiro ◽  
Leonardo Quintão Siravenha ◽  
Marcelo Pereira Mota ◽  
Marlinda de Carvalho Souza ◽  
...  

Female sex workers (FSWs) are an important group of people vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections. Northern Brazil is a rural and socioeconomically underdeveloped region, with lack of epidemiological information on syphilis in key populations. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with exposure to Treponema pallidum among FSWs in three major cities in northern Brazil. This cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 415 FSWs from the cities of Belém, Macapá, and Rio Branco. Blood samples and personal data were collected from January 2009 to August 2010. Rapid plasma reagin and immunoenzymatic assays were used to detect antibodies against T. pallidum. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with exposure to T. pallidum. In total, 36.1% were exposed to T. pallidum, and 15.7% had active syphilis. Sexual risk behaviors, use of illicit drugs, low education, and reduced monthly income were associated with exposure to T. pallidum. The high rate of exposure to T. pallidum indicates the urgent need for measures to identify, treat, and prevent syphilis and an education program for the valuation, care, and social inclusion of FSWs in northern Brazil.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ouma Simple ◽  
Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye ◽  
Rawlance Ndejjo ◽  
Catherine Abbo

Abstract Background: Depression is the world’s leading cause of disability and a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. Female sex workers operating in conflict-affected settings could be more prone to depression, yet the prevalence and factors associated with depression among this special population remain inadequately addressed. This study thus aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with major depression among female sex workers in post-conflict Gulu district. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 randomly selected female sex workers in Gulu district between March and June 2020. Possible factors associated with depression were assessed using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and participants assessed for major depression using Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) version 7.0.0. We utilized STATA 14.0 for univariate, bivariate and multivariate data analyses.Results: The mean age of study participants was 26.4 years (SD = 6), 57.7% attained primary education, 51.7% never married and 42.1% were living with HIV. Almost half (47.7%) of the participants had major depression, of whom half (50.4%) had severe depression and one-thirds (34.3%) had suicidal ideation. At multivariate level, factors that showed positive association with major depression were: psychological stressor (aOR = 11.0, 95%CI: 5.77-20.86), living with HIV (aOR= 2.32, 95%CI: 1.29-4.15), being verbally abused (aOR = 2.27, 95%CI: 1.26-4.07), and being 30+ years of age (aOR = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.05-3.61). Meanwhile, factors that showed negative association with major depression were: providing sexual services at client’s place (aOR=0.46, 95%CI: 0.24-0.91), using modern family planning method (aOR=0.47, 95%CI: 0.25-0.87), and daily intake of alcohol (aOR=0.50, 95%CI: 0.28-0.88).Conclusion: The findings underscore the high prevalence of major depression among female sex workers driven by psychological stress, living with HIV/AIDs, being verbally abused by clients and being 30+years of age. The high prevalence of major depression has important public health ramifications at individual and societal levels and requires urgent attention of all stakeholders.


Author(s):  
Jason J. Ong ◽  
Mingzhou Xiong ◽  
Joseph D. Tucker ◽  
Yajie Wang ◽  
M. Kumi Smith ◽  
...  

AbstractThere is a rich literature on sexualized drug use (i.e., drug use before or during sex) for men who have sex with men but less data from female sex workers (FSW), particularly from low- and middle-income countries. We describe the sexual and reproductive health outcomes in FSW reporting sexualized drug use. In 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional study in eight cities from seven provinces in China. We recruited FSW through community organizations working with sex workers and included those aged 18 years or above, exchanged sex at least once for money or goods in the past three months, and had traded sex for longer than a year. Multivariable logistic regression models were used. In total, 650 women participated: average age was 38.8 years (SD 10.2), 57.1% reported a monthly income over 5000 RMB ($USD 707), and 12.8% completed high school or above. Among participants, 65 (10.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.8–12.6) reported a history of sexualized drug use. Compared to FSW who never reported a history of sexualized drug use, FSW who reported a history of sexualized drug use had greater odds of working for a manager compared to being self-employed (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.04, 95% CI 2.12–7.69), work in a sauna (AOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.09–5.41), charging a higher price for vaginal sex (AOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.14–4.06), and ever diagnosed with STIs (AOR 4.51, 95% CI 2.61–7.80). One in ten FSW reported sexualized drug use. Although they had similar risk profiles in terms of consistency of condom use and reproductive health outcomes, these women were more likely to report past STIs than those who reported no sexualized drug use. Health workers who work with substance users should devote attention to the sexual practices of their clients to make sure that they have safer sex.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Faini ◽  
Patricia Munseri ◽  
Muhammad Bakari ◽  
Eric Sandström ◽  
Elisabeth Faxelid ◽  
...  

Abstract Background High number of unintended pregnancies—often leading to induced abortions—are reported among female sex workers (FSWs), highlighting a major unmet need for contraception. To better understand barriers to contraceptive use, we explored FSW’s pregnancy perceptions and experiences of unintended pregnancy. We hypothesized that sex work exacerbates barriers to contraceptive use and that FSW’s pregnancy perceptions and experiences of unintended pregnancy influence future commitment to contraceptive use. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews with 11 FSWs (January–June 2019) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We purposively sampled FSWs with a positive pregnancy test from those participating in a HIV vaccine preparedness cohort. We used open ended questions to explore how FSWs make decisions when facing barriers to contraceptive use, dealing with unintended pregnancy and adhering to contraceptive use after experiencing unintended pregnancy. All interviews were conducted in Kiswahili, audio-recorded, transcribed and translated into English. Grounded theory approach was used to analyse transcripts. Open and selective coding was performed using Nvivo software. Results FSWs reported that sex work impedes good contraceptive behaviour because sex workers felt unable to negotiate consistent condom use, avoided health services due to stigma, missed monthly contraceptive supplies because of inconvenient clinic operating hours or skipped contraceptive pills when intoxicated after taking alcohol. FSWs who perceived pregnancy to be a burden terminated the pregnancy because of fear of loss of income during pregnancy or child rearing expenses in case child support was not assured by their partners. FSWs who perceived pregnancy to be a blessing decided to keep the pregnancy because they desired motherhood and hoped that children would bring prosperity. Family planning counselling and availability of contraceptives during postpartum care influenced the initiation of contraception among FSWs. Financial hardships related to childrearing or painful abortion experiences influenced FSWs’ commitment to good contraceptive practices. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that FSWs face barriers to initiating and adhering to contraceptive use because of sex work stigma, inability to negotiate condoms and failure to access medical services at their convenience. Our findings underscore the need to integrate contraceptive services with HIV programs serving FSWs in their areas of work.


2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rishan Weldegebreal ◽  
Yohannes Adama Melaku ◽  
Mussie Alemayehu ◽  
Tesfay Gebregzabher Gebrehiwot

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Ong ◽  
Mingzhou Xiong ◽  
Joseph D. Tucker ◽  
Yajie Wang ◽  
M. Kumi Smith ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There is rich literature on sexualized drug use (i.e. drug use before or during sex) for men who have sex with men but less data from female sex workers (FSW) particularly from low- and middle-income countries. We describe the sexual and reproductive health outcomes in FSW reporting sexualized drug use.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in eight cities from seven provinces in China (2019). We recruited FSW through community organizations working with sex workers, and included those who were age 18 years or above; exchanged sex at least once for money or goods in the past three months. Multivariable logistic regression models were used.Results In total, 1287 women participated: average age was 35.1 years (SD 10.3), 52.4% reported a monthly income over 5000 RMB ($USD 707), and 17.4% completed high school or above. Among participants, 284 (22.1%, 95%CI:19.8-24.4) reported a history of sexualized drug use. Compared to FSW who never reported a history of sexualized drug use, FSW who reported a history of sexualized drug use had greater odds of: reporting inconsistent condom use for vaginal sex (AOR 2.67, 95%CI:1.93-3.69), inconsistent condom use for oral sex (AOR 2.33, 95%CI:1.25-4.37), ever had an unintended pregnancy (AOR 1.43, 95%CI:1.04-1.96), and ever diagnosed with STIs (AOR 5.39, 95%CI:3.92-7.40).Conclusion We recommend routinely asking FSW about sexualized drug use as nearly one in five FSW reported a history of sexualized drug use and these women had an elevated risk profile compared with those who reported no sexualized drug use.


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