Tsitsi B. Masvawure,1 Joanne E. Mantell,2 Jack Ume Tocco,2 Peter Gichangi,3,5,6 Arjee Restar,4 Sophie Vusha Chabeda,3 Yves Lafort,5 and Theo G. M. Sandfort2
Affiliations
1Department of Sociology and Anthropology, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, USA
2HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
3International Centre for Reproductive Health-Kenya
4Brown School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
5International Centre for Reproductive Health-Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
6Department of Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Kenya
The publisher’s final edited version of this article is available at AIDS Behav
Abstract
We examined why condoms broke or slipped off during commercial sex and the actions taken in response among 75 female and male sex workers and male clients recruited from 18 bars/nightclubs in Mombasa, Kenya. Most participants (61/75, 81%) had experienced at least one breakage or slippage during commercial sex. Many breakages were attributed to the direct actions of clients. Breakages and slippages fell into two main themes: those intentionally caused by clients and unintentional ones caused by inebriation, forceful thrusting during sex and incorrect or non-lubricant use. Responses included: stopping sex and replacing the damaged condoms, “doing nothing”, getting tested for HIV, using post-exposure prophylaxis and “washing”. Some sex workers also employed various strategies to preclude the occurrence of condom breakages. Innovative client-oriented HIV prevention and risk-reduction interventions are urgently needed. Additionally, sex workers should be equipped with skills to recognize and manage breakages.
Link
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5820152/
