Contraceptive practices, sexual and reproductive health needs of HIV-positive and negative female sex workers in Goa, India. Issue 1 (27th October 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wayal, Sonali; Cowan, Frances; Warner, Pamela; Copas, Andrew; Mabey, David; Shahmanesh, Maryam
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 87:Issue 1(2011)
• Page Start: 58
• Page End: 64
• Publication Date: 2010-10-27
• Subjects: Contraception -- HIV -- STD -- women; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sti.2010.043158
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: In India, female sex workers (FSWs), suffer from high HIV prevalence and abortions. Contraceptive use among general population women is well understood. However, FSWs contraceptives practices and reproductive health needs are under-researched. We investigated contraceptive practices among HIV-positive and negative FSWs in Goa, India and explored its association with socio-demographic and sex work related factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study using respondent driven sampling recruited 326 FSWs. They completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire and were screened for STI/HIV. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with sterilisation relative to no contraception. Results: HIV prevalence was high (26%). Of the 59 FSWs planning pregnancy, 33% were HIV-positive and 5–7% had Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Trichomonas . 25% and 65% of FSWs screened-positive for Syphilis and Herpes simplex virus type 2 antibodies respectively. Among the 260 FSWs analysed for contraceptive use, 39% did not use contraceptives, and 26% had experienced abortion. Half the FSWs had undergone sterilisation, and only 5% used condoms for contraception. Among HIV-positive FSWs, 45% did not use contraceptives. Sterilisation was independently associated with older age, illiteracy, having an intimate non-paying male partner, having children and financial autonomy. Exposure to National AIDS Control Organisation's HIV-prevention interventions was reported by 34% FSWs and was not significantly associated with contraceptive use (adjusted odds ratio 1.4, 95% CI 0.7 to 2.9). Conclusion: HIV-prevention interventions should promote contraception, especially among young and HIV-positive FSWs. Integrating HIV treatment and care services with HIV-prevention interventions is vital to avert HIV-positive births.