Determinants of consistent condom use among female commercial sex workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo: implications for interventions.

Sex Transm Infect. 2007 Nov 30;

Authors: Kayembe PK, Mapatano MA, Busangu AF, Nyandwe JK, Mashinda DK, Musema GM, Kibungu JP, Matamba LT, Mayala GM

OBJECTIVE: To identify correlates of consistent condom use among commercial sex workers (CSW) over a four-week period. METHODS: A total of 2,638 CSWs selected in all the provincial capital cities in the Democratic Republic of Congo using Time Location Sampling technique were interviewed to collect information on socio-demographic data, sexual history and behaviour, consumption of intoxicants (alcohol and drugs), knowledge of condoms, their accessibility and the pattern of their use over a four-weeks period, and exposure to HIV/AIDS prevention services). RESULTS: Forty percents (95% CI = 38.1-41.8) of the CSWs have used condoms consistently and this pattern differed according to the category of sexual partners (61,4% in the case of paying partners and 38.2% in the case of non-paying partners). Consistent condom use was associated with age, those aged 20 to 44 years were more likely to be consistent users (OR=1.34, 95% CI=1.06-1.69), having cited it as a prevention mean for HIV (OR= 2.88, 95% CI = 2.09-3.96), less time into commercial sex work, higher number of clients (OR = 3.83, 95% CI = 2.95-4.96), exposure to VCT (OR=2.02, 95% CI = 1.70-2.42), and access to condom (OR=1.51, 95% CI= 1.25-1.82). CONCLUSIONS: The risk perception bias associated with non-paying partners, time as a commercial sex worker and age should be taken into account when planning interventions targeting CSWs. Access to condom and VCT should be improved since they are likely to impact on the behaviour.

PMID: 18055581 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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