Abstract
Background: HIV and AIDS continue to challenge the health sector and economies in low and middle-income countries. Effectiveness condom use in preventing transmission of HIV is jeopardized due to recent reported decline in condom use. Alcohol serving venues are meeting points for sex partner which is a significant determinant of risk sexual practices while gender inequities impose challenges to women in negotiating safe sex. Methods: Cross sectional exploratory study was conducted which deployed a qualitative method in data collection. Purposive sampling was used to select fourteen study participants. In-Depth Interview guide was used to gather information from female bar workers on perceptions and experiences in sexual relationships that are initiated following their interaction with male customers in alcohol serving settings and their negotiation for safe sex. This study explored sexual relationship power of Female Bar Workers (FBWs) in safe sex negotiations as they interact in alcohol serving venues in Kinondoni municipality in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Data was analysed manually by using thematic approach. Results: Negotiation ability and sexual relationship power continue to be a key determinant of safe or unsafe sexual practices in sexual relationships of female bar workers. Although power to negotiate and make decisions towards safe sex was widely reported by female bar workers when they engage in casual sexual relationships, such power is outweighed by their own willingness to engage in multiple sexual relationships to supplement their meagre incomes. Conclusion: Health promotion should continue to focus on behaviour change interventions with consideration of gendered roles and power in sexual relationships.
Highlights
Despite the documented substantial burden of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa, there has been an alarming decrease in condom use or an increase in the number of sexual partners among the general population
The venues act as meeting points for sexual partners as significant determinants of risk sexual practices such as multiple sexual partners and/or lower levels of condom use, both of which foster the transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV [7]
Another study conducted in northern Tanzania shows that; higher levels of alcohol consumption have been observed among female bar workers (FBWs) compared to other females in the general population, a behaviour that is influenced by their regular interaction with customers in alcohol serving venues [9]
Summary
Despite the documented substantial burden of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa, there has been an alarming decrease in condom use or an increase in the number of sexual partners among the general population. Such situation is likely to jeopardize documented achievements along the decline in new HIV infections and prevalence between 2001 and 2011 [1], [2]. The venues act as meeting points for sexual partners as significant determinants of risk sexual practices such as multiple sexual partners and/or lower levels of condom use, both of which foster the transmission of STIs and HIV [7]. Alcohol serving venues are meeting points for sex partner which is a significant determinant of risk sexual practices while gender inequities impose challenges to women in negotiating safe sex
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
