KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND INTENTION TO USE FEMALE CONDOMS BY FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN IBADAN METROPOLIS

Abstract

Female condoms are of enormous importance to the fight against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) because they are the only existing, effective female-controlled preventive tool against Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and other STIs. Nigeria has the second highest burden of HIV in the world. While FSWs constitute less than 1% of the Nigerian population yet nationally, FSWs account for about 20% of new HIV infections. Effective female condom interventions can increase the proportion of protected sex acts and decrease STI prevalence. However, their use has remained frustratingly and tragically low, despite growing demand from FSWs themselves. The study investigated the Knowledge, experience, and intention to use female condom by female sex workers in Ibadan metropolis. The study adopted the descriptive research design and a total of 293 from popular hotspot/Brothel facilities within Ibadan metropolis were recruited for the research. The total population was adopted. The instruments for data collection were In-depth interview (IDI) guide and interviewer administered questionnaire. Each of the scale has sub-scales duly scrutinized by the supervisor in charge before its administration. Data collected were analyzed using a descriptive statistics of percentages and frequencies, as well as chi square (χ²) test were used for the analysis, while the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic method. Respondents mean age was 27.8 ± 4.9 years, participants comprising two third of the population are aware of female condom. 258 (88.1%) out of the population of 293 confirmed positive result of using FC. The proportion of FSWs who has ever used the female condom was discovered to be out of 51.5% of FSWs who responded 27.1% has used female condom, while 24.4% has never used female condom presumably have heard of it.106 participants are currently using FC which is the aggregate proportion of FSWs who uses the female condom in their daily activities in the metropolis. The study revealed that the use of female condom by most of the respondents is for clients that refuse the male condom and during their menstrual cycle. Female condom use was cross tabulated with the socio-demographic variables, and FC use with LGAs was statistically significant (<0.05)

The study recommends that a combination of radio/television, Pharmacy, NGO seminar and peer-educator could used to improve the knowledge base of FSWs of the studied areas, it was recorded that good numbers of FSWs are aware but a low knowledge about the use of FC. With reference to this study, there is a need to increase training of Female Condom use to FSWs which will increase the numbers of users and solve the common plights they faced in the course of their daily routines.