Social and behavioral factors associated with condom use among female commercial sex workers (CSWs) in tarlac, the Philippines

Abstract

This study examines social and behavioral factors associated with condom use among female commercial sex workers (CSWs) in Tarlac, the Philippines. One hundred and twenty-one CSWs who visited a social hygiene clinic for regular check-ups were asked to fill out a self-administered questionnaire with thirty-one items. More than 80% of the respondents had experience of using condoms with clients. However, only 48% of them used consistently. Six factors, level of education, knowledge of condom application, knowledge of condom effectiveness for preventing AIDS, knowledge of AIDS, use of other contraceptives, and sex premise managers' advice about using condoms, were significantly associated with their condom use by bivariate analyses. Following a logistic regression analysis, three variables, education, knowledge of condom effectiveness, and sex premise managers' advice, were revealed to be independently associated with consistent condom use. We recommend that managers of sex premises take an active role in advocating condom use, and that the effectiveness of condoms as an AIDS preventative be emphasized in future educational and interventional programs.

Factors associated with inconsistent condom use with clients among female sex workers in Podgorica, Montenegro

“…The association we found between inconsistent condom use with client's indifference or negative personal attitude towards condom use during commercial sex, as well as with deciding on condom use done by clients or by mutual agreement between FSWs and client, were consistent with the results of the studies among FSWs in China, Cambodia, Korea, Sri Lanka, Ghana, and Vietnam, which found similar associations with inconsistent condom use [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. Factors involved in the frequent acceptance of commercial sex without condoms probably include lack of authority, fear of losing clients and weak negotiation skills.…”

Facilitators and barriers to condom use among Filipinos: A systematic review of literature

“… 18 , 31 , 39 In a survey of FSWs in a rural setting, health providers were the primary sources of information on condom use. 33 Health facilities and non-government organizations were reported to provide condom education and free condoms for cisgender-MSM and transgender women. 15 However, it was found that there were facilities that require HIV testing before receiving free condoms.…”

“…Consistent use of condoms among FSWs was more evident in establishments with HIV education and condom use policy than those without. 20,21,30,37,39 Manager's advice, 33 favorable manager attitude, 32 and more frequent manager contact 18 were significant factors to consistent use of condoms. Managers who received training on HIV education and support to implement workplace HIV education and prevention policies positively influenced the condom use practices of FSWs.…”

“…18,31 Knowledge of the effectiveness of condoms in HIV prevention was a significant predictor of consistent use of condom. [31][32][33] Fear on condom use was observed among young adults with the thought that condoms would break and be left inside the woman during sex. 14 Condom use was even compared with applying a sock on the penis or eating a banana with a peel.…”

“…• access to health facilities and merchandise stores 21,25 • collaboration among different community sectors 17,30,31,[34][35][36][37]39 • health provider engagement 15,18,31,33,39 • discreet placements of condoms in stores 15 • distance to stores 15 • prohibition of the Church on condom use 14,15 • required HIV testing before receiving condom 15 • social stigma 14,15 Public policy • city ordinances 18,19,21,24,32,34,39,40 • registrations of sex workers 18,19,21,24,32,34,39,40 • high price of condoms 15,19,20,25 to condom use that should be examined and addressed to ensure that interventions and programs achieve notable outcomes. This review supports the principle of the Ecological Model of Health Promotion 9 on the importance of understanding the interacting factors from the individual and social environment levels that affect condom use.…”