Knowledge and Awareness of the Link between Female Same Sex and Health Problems among Women Who Have Sex with Women in Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Women who have sex with other women (WSW) have high chances of health-related problems stemming from their unsafe sexual behaviors and practices. Their awareness of risky sexual behaviors and the health-related consequences is limited by the covert nature of WSW relationships. However, we cannot generalize the level of awareness since WSW around the world has been subjected to different policies that either proscribe or accept their practices as their right. In view of the divergence, this study evaluated the level of awareness of the link between female same sex and other health-related problems among WSW in Tanzania. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive and retrospective study, which was conducted in Dar es Salaam between January and February 2021. The participants of the study were WSW, proxy WSW, and women who at one time had female same-sex relationships. The study also used community members aged 18 years and above but only those who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through qualitative in-depth interviews (IDIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), interviews (KIIs), and life stories. All the data generated through the study were analyzed thematically. Results: The findings of the study suggest that women have limited knowledge of the health-related risk that come with practicing same-sex. Most study participants did not believe they could contact STIs and other health-related problems through unsafe sexual practices with fellow women partners. Conclusion: Most WSW has limited knowledge of the health consequences of unsafe same sex practices. The research sets precedent for wide scope studies to address transmission risks of STIs among these communities in Tanzania.