Prevalence of and factors associated with modern contraceptive use among female sex workers in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Access to reproductive healthcare, including contraceptives is an essential component of comprehensive HIV prevention services among high-risk women especially those involved in transactional sex. Different factors affect access and utilization of contraceptives among female sexual workers in Tanzania. This study is aimed at determining prevalence and factors associated with modern contraceptives use among female sexual workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: A cross – sectional study among 273 female sex workers aged 18-45 years enrolled in HIV prevention cohort in Dar es Salaam was conducted. Face to face interview was used as a method of data collection using structured questionnaire consisting similar questions to all respondents. The outcome variable was current use of contraceptive and the independent variables ware age, marital status, income level, knowledge and awareness of contraceptives, education level, marital status, number of children and preferred number of children. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors independently associated with modern contraceptive use while controlling confounding. Results: The prevalence of modern contraceptives was 73.6%. Awareness on modern contraceptives was significantly associated with modern contraceptive use (AOR=4.13; 95% CI 1.19-14.24). Having ever faced health challenges of using modern contraceptives (AOR=0.39; 95% CI 0.21-0.69) and desiring to have 3-4 children (AOR=0.39; 95% CI 0.19-0.81) were associated with reduced odds of using modern contraceptive methods. Conclusion and Recommendation: The prevalence of modern contraceptive use among this cohort of female sex workers in Dar es Salaam was high. Health care workers providing RCH and contraceptives services to FSWs should put more emphasis on the health challenges resulting from use of modern contraceptives to increase the uptake. Also, more health education on the use of modern contraceptives among FSWs desiring to have more children is required to increase contraceptive use among this high risk group.