Abstract
BackgroundThis study was conducted to determine the level and feasibility of use of information and communication technology (ICT) and social media for research and service delivery among young female sex workers (YFSWs) in Kampala, Uganda.MethodsWe analysed baseline data from 234 YFSWs in Kampala ages 15–24 y participating in a randomized controlled trial testing a cognitive behavioural human immunodeficiency virus prevention intervention.ResultsMobile phone ownership (68.3%) and short message service use (64.9%) were moderate and significantly lower in the 15- to 19-y age group. Computer use experience and internet access were low.ConclusionsWe believe that the feasibility of ICT and social media-driven interventions among YFSWs is limited.
Highlights
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has upended medical prevention, care and research, especially studies engaged in ongoing data collection
This study aimed to determine the level of information and communication technology (ICT) use among young female sex workers (YFSWs) in Kampala, Uganda, with the objective of assessing whether ICT use in this population would be a feasible option for research and service delivery
We interviewed 234 YFSWs with a mean age of 19.9±2.5 y
Summary
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has upended medical prevention, care and research, especially studies engaged in ongoing data collection. Information and communications technology (ICT) access in low- and middle-income countries has been steadily improving, telehealth technologies can be rudimentary, as is the case in some settings in high-income countries.[2] A reliance on access to ICT for health research and service delivery poses a challenge to the participation of some people who are already harder to reach. Among these marginalised groups are young female sex workers (YFSWs). Conclusions: We believe that the feasibility of ICT and social media-driven interventions among YFSWs is limited.
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