Contraceptive use among female sex workers in three Russian cities. Issue 2 (5th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin, Caitlin E.; Wirtz, Andrea L.; Mogilniy, Vladimir; Peryshkina, Alena; Beyrer, Chris; Decker, Michele R.
• Is Part Of: International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics. Volume 131:Issue 2(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 156
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2015-09-05
• Subjects: Contraception -- Female sex workers -- Russia; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.06.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7292

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of, and factors associated with, use of non‐barrier contraception (intrauterine device, hormonal contraceptives, and female sterilization) among female sex workers (FSWs) in three Russian cities. Methods: A secondary analysis of data from a cross‐sectional survey of FSWs aged 18 years and older from Kazan, Krasnoyarsk, and Tomsk was undertaken. Participants had completed a one‐time computer‐based survey in 2011. Among the 708 with a current contraceptive need, logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with use of non‐barrier contraceptives. Results: Use of non‐barrier contraceptives was reported by 237 (33.5%) FSWs. Use of non‐barrier contraceptives was associated with being in sex work longer (≥ 4 years vs < 1 year: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51–14.66) and having a non‐paying partner (AOR 2.02; 95% CI 1.32–3.11). Odds of non‐barrier contraception were reduced among FSWs who had ever worked with a pimp/momka (AOR 0.46; 95% CI 0.24–0.87), who had experienced recent client‐perpetrated violence (AOR 0.19; 95% CI 0.07–0.52), or reporting consistent condom use (AOR 0.30; 95% CI 0.16–0.54). Only 13 (5.5%) of the 237 FSWs using non‐barrier contraception reported consistent condom use. Conclusion: Only one‐third reported use of non‐barrier contraception, suggesting substantial unmet contraceptive needs. FSWs are an important target population for family planning, reproductive health counseling, and care.