scholarly journals Unmet contraceptives needs among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in semi urban Blantyre, Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donatien Twizelimana ◽  
Adamson S Muula
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Steady Partner ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background: Research has paid limited attention to understanding factors that are associated with unmet contraceptives needs among female sex workers. In order to fill this knowledge gap, we estimated the prevalence of unmet contraceptives needs and examined associated factors among FSWs in semi urban Blantyre, Malawi. Methods:. We used systematic sampling to recruit 290 female sex workers in semi urban Blantyre between February and March 2019. In this cross sectional study, we used questionnaire interviews to collect quantitative data. We calculated the mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables to describe the data. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between unmet needs (the outcome variable) and explanatory variables such as: having a steady partner, fear of contraceptives’ side effects and having a history of sexually transmitted infections. Results: Out of the 290 study participants 102 (35.2%) reported unmet needs for contraceptives. The following factors were significantly associated with unmet contraceptives needs in multivariate analysis: female sex workers’ history of physical and sexual violence by clients [OR 3.38, 95% CI (1.10, 10.43)], p<0.03, participants with a steady partner [OR 3.28, 95% CI (1.89, 5.68)], p<0.001, and participants who feared side effects of contraceptives [OR 2.99, 95% CI (1.73, 5.20)], p<0.001. Conclusion: Reproductive Health services should address barriers to contraceptives use for instance: violence by female sex workers’ clients, fear and misinformation on contraceptives. There is need to improve awareness of contraceptives. Specific health promotion interventions on female sex workers engaged in a steady partnership are recommended. It is important to enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and counseling skills of health care providers in order to address unmet contraceptives needs among female sex workers in semi-urban Blantyre.

scholarly journals Unmet contraceptives needs among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in semi urban Blantyre, Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donatien Twizelimana ◽  
Adamson S Muula
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Steady Partner ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background: Research has paid limited attention to understanding factors that are associated with unmet contraceptive needs among female sex workers. In order to fill this knowledge gap, we estimated the prevalence of unmet contraceptive needs and examined associated factors among FSWs in semi urban Blantyre, Malawi. Methods: We used systematic sampling to recruit 290 female sex workers in semi urban Blantyre between February and March 2019. In this cross sectional study, we used questionnaire interviews to collect quantitative data. We calculated the mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables to describe the data. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between unmet needs (the outcome variable) and explanatory variables such as: having a steady partner, fear of contraceptives’ side effects and having a history of sexually transmitted infections. Results: Out of the 290 study participants 102 (35.2%) reported unmet contraceptive needs. The following factors were significantly associated with unmet contraceptive needs in multivariate analysis: female sex workers’ history of physical and sexual violence by clients [OR 3.38, 95% CI (1.10, 10.43)], p<0.03, participants with a steady partner [OR 3.28, 95% CI (1.89, 5.68)], p<0.001, and participants who feared side effects of contraceptives [OR 2.99, 95% CI (1.73, 5.20)], p<0.001. Conclusion: Reproductive Health services should address barriers to contraceptives use for instance: violence by female sex workers’ clients, fear and misinformation on contraceptives. There is need to improve awareness of contraceptives. Specific health promotion interventions on female sex workers engaged in a steady partnership are recommended. It is important to enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and counseling skills of health care providers in order to address unmet contraceptive needs among female sex workers in semi-urban Blantyre.

scholarly journals Unmet contraceptives needs among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in semi urban Blantyre, Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donatien Twizelimana ◽  
Adamson S Muula
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Systematic Sampling ◽  
Steady Partner ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
History Of

Abstract Introduction:Research has paid limited attention to understanding factors that are associated with unmet contraceptives needs among female sex workers (FSWs). In order to fill this knowledge gap we estimated the prevalence of unmet contraceptives needs and examined factors that were associated with unmet contraceptives needs among FSWs in semi urban Blantyre, Malawi.MethodsWe used systematic sampling to recruit 290 FSWs in semi urban Blantyre between February and March 2019. In this cross sectional study, we used questionnaire interviews to collect quantitative data. We calculated the mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables to describe the data. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between unmet needs (the outcome variable) and explanatory variables such as: having a steady partner, fear of contraceptives’ side effects and having a history of sexual transmitted infections.ResultsOut of the 290 study participants 102 (35.2%) reported unmet needs for contraceptives. The following factors were significantly associated with unmet contraceptives needs in multivariate analysis: FSWs’ history of physical and sexual violence by clients [OR 3.38, 95% CI (1.10, 10.43)], p < 0.03, participants with a steady partner [OR 3.28, 95% CI (1.89, 5.68)], p < 0.001, and participants who feared side effects of contraceptives [OR 2.99, 95% CI (1.73, 5.20)], p < 0.001.ConclusionThere is need to improve awareness of contraceptives among FSWs in semi urban Blantyre. Sexual and Reproductive Health services (SRH) should address barriers to contraceptives use such as sexual transmitted infections, clients’ violence, fear and misinformation on contraceptives. There is also a need to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and counseling skills of health providers in order to address unmet contraceptives needs among FSWS.

scholarly journals Unmet contraceptive needs among female sex workers (FSWs) in semi urban Blantyre, Malawi

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donatien Twizelimana ◽  
Adamson S. Muula
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Steady Partner ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background Research has paid limited attention to understanding factors that are associated with unmet contraceptive needs among female sex workers. In order to fill this knowledge gap, we estimated the prevalence of unmet contraceptive needs and examined associated factors among FSWs in semi urban Blantyre, Malawi. Methods We used systematic sampling to recruit 290 female sex workers in semi urban Blantyre between February and March 2019. In this cross sectional study, we used questionnaire interviews to collect quantitative data. We calculated the mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables to describe the data. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between unmet needs (the outcome variable) and explanatory variables such as: having a steady partner, fear of contraceptives’ side effects and having a history of sexually transmitted infections. Results Out of the 290 study participants 102 (35.2%) reported unmet contraceptive needs. The following factors were significantly associated with unmet contraceptive needs in multivariate analysis: female sex workers’ history of physical and sexual violence by clients [OR 3.38, 95% CI (1.10, 10.43)], p < 0.03, participants with a steady partner [OR 3.28, 95% CI (1.89, 5.68)], p < 0.001, and participants who feared side effects of contraceptives [OR 2.99, 95% CI (1.73, 5.20)], p < 0.001. Conclusion Reproductive Health services should address barriers to contraceptives use for instance: violence by female sex workers’ clients, fear and misinformation on contraceptives. There is need to improve awareness of contraceptives. Specific health promotion interventions on female sex workers engaged in a steady partnership are recommended. It is important to enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and counseling skills of health care providers in order to address unmet contraceptive needs among female sex workers in semi-urban Blantyre. Plain English summary Unmet contraceptive needs are defined as lack of contraceptives use in heterosexually active women of childbearing age who do not wish to become pregnant. Unmet contraceptive needs are the main cause of short inter-pregnancy intervals, early childbearing, physical abuse, unintended pregnancy, poor maternal and child health outcomes. Several studies have documented low contraceptives use among female sex workers (FSWs), but research has paid limited attention to understanding factors associated with unmet contraceptive needs among this population in semi urban Blantyre Malawi. In order to fill this knowledge gap, we estimated the prevalence of unmet contraceptive needs and examined factors that were associated with unmet contraceptive needs among FSWs in semi urban Blantyre, Malawi. We recruited 290 FSWs and collected quantitative data. These data were analyzed to obtain descriptive statistics. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between unmet contraceptive needs (the outcome variable) and explanatory variables such as: FSWs with history of physical and sexual violence by clients, having a steady partner, fear of contraceptives’ side effects and having a history of sexually transmitted infections. Out of the 290 FSWs, 35% reported unmet contraceptive needs. The following factors were significantly associated with unmet contraceptive needs in multivariate analysis: FSWs’ history of physical and sexual violence by clients, participants with a steady partner and participants who feared contraceptive side effects. Sexual and Reproductive Health services should address barriers to contraceptives use, female sex workers exposure to violence, having a steady partners and concerns about side effects. There is also a need to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and counseling skills of health providers in order to address unmet contraceptive needs among FSWs.

Correlates of pregnancy among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in semi urban Blantyre, Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donatien Twizelimana ◽  
Adamson S Muula
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Systematic Sampling ◽  
P Value ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Study Sites

Abstract Background Little is known about female sex workers’ (FSWs) reproductive health apart from their being at higher than usual risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. The problem addressed in this study was: “what are the correlates of pregnancy among FSWs in semi – urban Blantyre in Malawi?”.Methods We used systematic sampling to recruit a total of 200 FSWs in four different study sites in Blantyre. Data were collected through questionnaire interviews. We calculated the mean and standard deviation for continuous covariates and proportions for categorical variables to describe the data. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the correlates between the outcome variable (pregnancy) and independent variables.Results Ninety one (45, 5%) FSWs were between 18 and 24 years. The prevalence of pregnancy was 61% for FSWs born in rural place as compared to 37% for those who were born in town. In multivariate analysis FSWs who reported to value being respected as mothers had 12 times the risk of pregnancy comparing to the ones who did not (AOR: 11.8, 95% CI: [4.56, 30.72] p -value <0.001). FSWs who reported using condoms inconsistently had five times the risk of pregnancy compared to the ones who did not, (AOR: 5.26, 95% CI: [2.29, 12.081], p -value <0.001). FSWs who had a request to bear children from steady partners had 5 times the risk of pregnancy comparing to the ones who did not (AOR: 5.07, 95% CI: [2.14, 11.99]). FSWs who reported forgetfulness of contraceptives’ use had 3 times more risk of pregnancy comparing to the ones who did not (A0R: 3.49 CI: [1.29, 9.37], p- value < 0.013).Conclusion The study documents a wide range of correlates of pregnancies among FSWs in the study sites. It is important to recognize the child bearing desires and circumstances of FSWs in order to inform health programs responsive to their needs.

scholarly journals Lifetime and past-month substance use and injection among street-based female sex workers in Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Payam Roshanfekr ◽  
Mehrdad Khezri ◽  
Salah Eddin Karimi ◽  
Meroe Vameghi ◽  
Delaram Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Injection Drug Use ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Injection Drug ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
History Of ◽  
Group Sex

Abstract Background Street-based female sex workers (FSWs) are highly at risk of HIV and other harms associated with sex work. We assessed the prevalence of non-injection and injection drug use and their associated factors among street-based FSWs in Iran. Methods We recruited 898 FSWs from 414 venues across 19 major cities in Iran between October 2016 and March 2017. Correlates of lifetime and past-month non-injection and injection drug use were assessed through multivariable logistic regression models. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results Lifetime and past-month non-injection drug use were reported by 60.3% (95% CI 51, 84) and 47.2% (95% CI 38, 67) of FSWs, respectively. The prevalence of lifetime and past-month injection drug use were 8.6% (95% CI 6.9, 10.7) and 3.7% (95% CI 2.6, 5.2), respectively. Recent non-injection drug use was associated with divorced marital status (AOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.07, 3.74), temporary marriage (AOR 4.31 [1.79, 10.40]), had > 30 clients per month (AOR 2.76 [1.29, 5.90]), ever alcohol use (AOR 3.03 [1.92, 6.79]), and history of incarceration (AOR 7.65 [3.89, 15.30]). Similarly, lifetime injection drug use was associated with ever alcohol use (AOR 2.74 [1.20–6.20]), ever incarceration (AOR 5.06 [2.48–10.28]), and ever group sex (AOR 2.44 [1.21–4.92]). Conclusions Non-injection and injection drug use are prevalent among street-based FSWs in Iran. Further prevention programs are needed to address and reduce harms associated with drug use among this vulnerable population in Iran.

Identifying Barriers to Condom Use Among Female Sex Workers: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahereh Omidi ◽  
Maryam Mohammadian-khoshnoud ◽  
Younes Mohammadi
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sex Worker ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
History Of ◽  
Hiv Risk Perception ◽  
History Of Violence

Abstract Background: Many studies have shown a lot of factors which are as barriers to the condom use among female sex workers (FSWs). However, there is not a comprehensive study to report the number and magnitude of these barriers. This study aimed to resolve this gap by comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: We have searched the electronic databases include Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus until September 2019. For each database we formulated a separate search strategy using keywords such as “condom use” and “sex worker” and the related synonyms. Epidemiological epidemiology addressed the factors associated with unprotected sex for the female sex worker. The heterogeneity across studies and probability of publication bias was investigated by I2 statistic and Begg's and Egger's tests respectively. The pooled effect size were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random-effects model.Results: Out of 5854 studies obtained in initial search, 35 studies with sample size 14218 participants had eligibility criteria which were included in the final analysis. Ten factors include marital status, alcohol use, history of violence, history of sexual abuse, history of STIs, STIs knowledge, HIV risk perception, drug use, knowledge about the condom use, condom use self-efficacy were identified in those studies. History of sexual abuse with OR=1.87 and the knowledge on AIDS with OR=1.07 had the strongest association and weakest association with condom use respectively. Conclusion: Many factors with different degrees of association influence on the condom use among female sex workers. However, history of sexual abuse, a history of violence, and HIV risk perception were considered as the major determinants of the condom use. The structural interventions, policy change and empowerment of female sex workers are recommended to increase consistent condom use in FSWs.

War-Related Abduction and History of Incarceration Linked to High Burden of HIV Among Female Sex Workers in Conflict-Affected Northern Uganda

2016 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shira M. Goldenberg ◽  
Godfrey Muzaaya ◽  
Monica Akello ◽  
Paul Nguyen ◽  
Josephine Birungi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Northern Uganda ◽  
High Burden ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
History Of

scholarly journals Medical Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Female Sex Workers and Their Occupational Risk Factors

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 104-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenna T. Nakagawa ◽  
Muge Akpinar-Elci.
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Physician Attitudes ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Occupational Risk Factors ◽  
Female Sex

Background: The tendency for female sex workers to seek health care is highly influenced by physician attitudes and behavior. By identifying medical students' attitudes toward female sex workers and assessing their knowledge of barriers to seeking care, we can focus medical training and advocacy efforts to increase access to care and improve public health outcomes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, medical students from various countries were invited to participate in an online survey with close-ended questions and Likert scale statements. Responses were quantified and knowledge and attitude scores were assigned based on knowledge of barriers to seeking care and agreement with positive and negative attitude statements. Results: A total of 292 medical students from 56 countries completed the survey, of whom 98.3% agreed that it will be their job to provide treatment to patients regardless of occupation. Self-identified religious students conveyed more negative attitudes toward female sex workers compared to those who did not identify themselves as religious (p<0.001). Students intending to practice in countries where prostitution is legal conveyed more positive attitudes compared to those intending to practice in countries where prostitution is illegal (p<0.001). Conclusion: Medical students largely agreed on the importance of providing care to female sex workers as a vulnerable group. In addition to addressing knowledge gaps in medical education, more localized studies are needed to understand the religious and legal influences on attitudes toward female sex workers. Such information can help focus the efforts in both medical education and communication training to achieve the desired behavioral impacts, reconciling the future generations of health care providers with the needs of female sex workers.

scholarly journals Exploring peer navigation and support in the quality of HIV care experiences of female sex workers in the Dominican Republic

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahilin Sanchez Karver ◽  
Clare Barrington ◽  
Yeycy Donastorg ◽  
Martha Perez ◽  
Hoisex Gomez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Peer Navigation

Abstract Background Despite evidence on peer navigation’s association with positive HIV outcomes, such as engagement in HIV care and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, the mechanisms through which peer navigation may influence these outcomes have been less explored. The purpose of this study is to describe the role of peer navigation and support on enhancing the quality of HIV treatment and care services experienced by female sex workers (FSWs). Methods Survey data was derived from a quantitative cohort (n = 211) of FSWs living with HIV in the Dominican Republic and complemented with data from two rounds of in-depth interviews (IDIs) from a qualitative subsample (n = 20 per round). Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regressions were used to explore the association between peer navigation and relational aspects of care and overall satisfaction of the quality of HIV treatment and care. Thematic analysis was employed to code and synthesize textual data from IDIs. Results 41.2% of the participants reported having had contact with a peer navigator in the last 6 months. Qualitative data revealed that peer navigation and support was instrumental in assisting FSWs linkage to HIV care after diagnosis, elevating FSWs’ ability to access more comprehensive clinical care facilities, and promoting agency by improving FSWs’ skills to more strategically and effectively engage with the clinic environment and health care providers. Peer navigation was positively associated with experiencing more respectful treatment by clinic staff (AOR: 6.65, 95% CI: 2.32–19.02), and greater satisfaction with overall HIV care services (AOR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.77–3.74). Conclusion Promoting the full integration of peer navigation into healthcare structures is a strategic approach to enhance the quality of HIV care experienced by FSWs and improve their HIV-related outcomes.

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