Associations Between Economic Factors and Condom Use Behavior Among Female Sex Workers in Dakar and Mbour, Senegal

AIDS Behav. 2020 Oct;24(10):2829-2841. doi: 10.1007/s10461-020-02832-2.

Abstract

Condom use remains a mainstay of HIV prevention programs around the world. However, data characterizing economic determinants of condom use among female sex workers (FSW) are limited, including in Senegal. We recruited 718 FSWs via respondent-driven sampling. Bivariate and multivariable regressions were conducted to assess the associations between economic variables and condom use at last sex. Paying rent (aRR: 1.07, 95%CI 1.01-1.13) was positively associated with condom use at last sex with new clients. No statistically significant associations were found between condom use and financial responsibility for dependent children, having additional source of income, sharing sex work earnings, or the ability to borrow from other FSWs, regardless of sexual partner types. The relationship between economic marginalization and consistent condom use among sex workers is complex reinforcing the need for behavioral economic research and prevention to be integrated into HIV prevention and treatment research and programs.

Keywords: Condom use; Economic; Female sex worker; HIV/AIDS; Partner type; Senegal.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Safe Sex / statistics & numerical data*
  • Senegal
  • Sex Workers / psychology*
  • Sex Workers / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexual Partners
  • Young Adult