Abstract:
Background
Female commercial sex workers are important in the transmission of HIV/AIDS.
Studies done worldwide have shown that they act as vector to transmit HIV
infections to commercial and non-commercial partners. Consistent condom use has
been proven to reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other sexually
transmitted infections. So condom use every time while having sexual intercourse
is important for the success of any HIV/STI control program. This study was
therefore aimed to evaluate condom use among female commercial sex workers
and to assess the information on factors that influence condom use.
Method
The study design was a cross-sectional study. Two hundred and ninety six female
commercial sex workers were recruited from Faridpur brothel (Bangladesh) using
simple random sampling technique. A standard questionnaire was used for data
collection. Bivariate and multivariate regression models were used to establish the
relationship between independent variables and condom use.
Results
The overall prevalence of condom use was 72%. Condom use was lower among
non-paying clients (29.3%) than paying clients (80.4%). Condom use was significantly associated age, frequency of using condom with paying clients,
heard about STI, and self-reported STI.
Conclusion
Prevalence of condom use was relatively high with 72%. Age, paying clients,
and self-reported STI where positively associated with condom use.
Keywords: Condom use, HIV/AIDS, Sexually transmitted infection (STI),
Female commercial sex workers, Faridpur bothel.
