A Systematic Literature Review–Sex Workers’ Experience on Contraceptive Access

Abstract

Sex workers need access to sexual and reproductive health services because they are at high risk of HIV and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). Moreover, many clients are inconsistent in condom use thus increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancy and abortion. Almost all sex workers experience marginalization, discrimination, and human rights violations. Services that provide security, comfort, and trust between providers and the community served can improve the quality and positive views of health services, especially contraceptive services that contribute to reducing the rate of transmission of STIs and HIV. Eight stages for scoping review were used in this review including identifying midwifery problems, prioritizing problems and research questions, determining frameworks, searching literature, selecting articles, making critical appraisal, extracting data, and mapping. 9 articles were extracted and arranged into several themes. The themes compiled in the review of this article include: stigma and discrimination, financial reasons, access to services that do not support, refusal to contraception access, and disturbing side effects. There are still many unsatisfactory services and inequalities in contraceptive services especially for marginalized groups and sex workers. In addition, underdeveloped infrastructure, financial reasons, and side effects are among the barriers that prevent sex workers from accessing contraception.