Consistent Condom Use and Dual Protection Among Female Sex Workers: Surveillance Findings from a Large-Scale, Community-Based Combination HIV Prevention Program in Tanzania.
Gaspar MbitaAmasha MwanamsanguMarya PlotkinCaterina CasaliniAmani ShaoGissenge LijaDorica BoyeeAngella RamadhanNeema MakyayoRamadhani MlangeRaymond BandioMegan ChristofeldAlbert KombaPublished in: AIDS and behavior (2020)
In Tanzania, HIV infection remains much higher among female sex workers (FSWs) than among other adult women. In addition to HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy prevention are major concerns for FSWs in Tanzania. This study used a programmatic surveillance approach to examine protection against STIs/HIV and unintended pregnancy (dual method use) among FSWs in an outreach-based HIV prevention, care, and treatment program in Tanzania. 119,728 FSWs made a first visit to services served by the Sauti Project from January 2016 to September 2017. Of these 79,774 were current contraceptive users-of those, 4548 (5.7%) took a contraceptive as well as condoms, the study measure of dual family planning (FP) method use. Ninety-one percent (n = 4139) of FSWs taking dual FP methods were provided with an injectable in addition to condoms. Dual method use was lower in this study than in research studies in the region, highlighting potential differences between findings from research studies and evidence from a routine service provision setting. Self-reported consistent condom use among FSWs was 16.1%. The findings call for further research and programs to address FSW agency to increase dual protection against STIs/HIV and unintended pregnancy.
Keyphrases
- antiretroviral therapy
- healthcare
- hiv positive
- quality improvement
- hiv infected
- public health
- men who have sex with men
- human immunodeficiency virus
- hiv testing
- palliative care
- mental health
- pregnancy outcomes
- risk assessment
- young adults
- south africa
- clinical practice
- adipose tissue
- skeletal muscle
- human health
- hyaluronic acid