Factors associated to inconsistent condom use among sex workers.

Marli Teresinha Gimeniz Galvão,Elucir Gir,Rosilane De Lima Brito Magalhães,Vanessa Moura Carvalho De Oliveira,Renata Karina Reis,Laelson Rochelle Milanês Sousa

doi:10.1590/1518-8345.2951.3226

Abstract

Objective:to analyze the factors associated to the inconsistent condom use among sex workers.Method:a transversal study, carried out in prostitution area, using the Respondent Drive Sampling. The sample was calculated based on the information by the Sex Workers Association: 600 female sex workers. The study selected seven women with different characteristics regarding color, age, and place of work, who were called seeds. After the participation, they received three coupons to recruit other participants in order to obtain a representative sample. The definition of inconsistent condom use was determined as occasional use or never using it. Univariate analyses and a multivariate logistic regression were performed.Results:416 female sex workers participated in the study. The associated factors were having studied for less than eight years (Odds Ratio = 27.28), not having a permanent partner (Odds Ratio = 2.79), high alcohol use (Odds Ratio = 5.07), and being black (Odds Ratio = 2.21).Conclusion:the factors associated to inconsistent condom use were: lower education levels, not having a permanent partner, high alcohol use, and being black.

Highlights

The infection by the human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) remains a global challenge[1]
In the Brazilian context, higher prevalence was detected in populations that are more vulnerable to the virus, such as drug users, of 22.6%(2), Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), of 18.4%(3), and Sex Workers (SW), who present a variation from 1% to 4.8%(4-6)
The participants were recruited by the method Respondent Drive Sampling (RDS), which is a sampling methodology used for recruiting populations of difficult access, in which the participants themselves are responsible for recruiting other individuals of the same category as theirs

Summary

Introduction

The infection by the human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) remains a global challenge[1]. Populations under more risk have a fundamental role in the infection dynamics. Female sex workers are a population of high risk for HIV and are considered key-populations for the control of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)(6). In Brazil, since 2002, sex work is an occupation recognized by the Brazilian Ministry of Work, even so, it is still needed to widen this discussion to effectively regulate the profession in he country[7]. These women still face difficulties in accessing health services, information on prevention, besides the lack of specific interventions

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion