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Women are disproportionately affected by HIV and account for more than 60% of adults living with HIV in sub Saharan Africa. To contain the spread of HIV, resources should be targeted at developing prevention methods that target women. One such promising method is the female condom. The aim of this study was to examine female condom acceptability and utilization among female sex workers and exploring perceptions and beliefs held by sex workers regarding the female condom. The research employed a survey method targeting female sex workers aged 18-49 years in Zeerust, South Africa. Twentyeight respondents were recruited and completed a self-administered questionnaire. Female condom use by female sex workers was found to be moderate. The study revealed that 50% of respondents had used the female condom in the previous month as well as in the previous 3 months, and 57% had used the female condom in the previous 12 months. The study also found that the majority of sex workers believed the female condom was not easy to insert, that it looks unattractive and that their culture inhibited them from initiating its use. The study showed that respondents perceived the female condom to not be readily and conveniently available in Zeerust. Although the majority of the respondents found the female condom to be an unappealing protective device against HIV infection, half of the participants believed sex with a female condom feels good. It was recommended that further research be conducted on why female sex workers perceive the female condom to not be well promoted or readily available in Zeerust. Factors mentioned above that according to respondents inhibit the use of the female condom also warrant further investigation.
Publisher: Stellenbosch University
Year of Publication: 2014
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