S P Tegang 1, S Abdallah, G Emukule, S Luchters, N Kingola, M Baras, S Mucheke, P Mwarogo
Affiliation
- 1Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit. sp_tegang@yahoo.fr
PMID: 21409306
DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2010.9724972
Abstract
While many studies confirm the association between HIV, alcohol and injecting drug use by female sex workers (FSWs), little is known about their use of marijuana, khat and other substances and the association of these substances with HIV, risky sexual behavior, and sexual violence. To better understand this association, data were analyzed from a cross-sectional, behavioral survey of 297 FSWs in Mombasa, a well-known tourist destination and the second largest port in Africa and capital city of the Coast Province in Kenya. Among the FSWs, lifetime use of different substances was reported by 91% for alcohol, 71% for khat, 34% for marijuana, and 6% for heroin, cocaine, glue or petrol. The majority (79%) used more than one substance, and multiple-substance use was reported by all respondents who ever used marijuana, heroin, cocaine, glue and petrol. The risk of HIV acquisition was perceived as medium to high by 41% of respondents, 75% of whom attributed this risk to multiple partners. Sexual violence was reported by 48% of respondents, and 30% indicated that this happened several times. Despite HIV prevention programs targeting FSWs in Mombasa, most of them continue to engage in risky sexual behaviors. This suggests that harm reduction strategies for substance use should be coupled with efforts to promote consistent condom use and partner reduction.
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