HIV/AIDS Preventive Practice and Associated Factors among Female Sex Workers in Afar Region, Ethiopia A Community Based Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are a high-riskpopulation for Human Immune Virus (HIV) infection. However, HIVrelated services for sex workers are given little attention in developingnations like Ethiopia. Thus, this study attempted to assess HIVpreventive practice and associated factors among FSWs in the Afarregion.

METHODS: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on419 FSWs from April 1 st to May 2 nd in 2018 in four hotspot towns (i.e.Logia, Mille, Gedamayitu and Awash) found in Afar region. The studyparticipants were selected using snowball sampling technique. Thesociodemographic and behavioral data were collected using face-to-face interview. Logistic regression analyses were done to determinefactors associated with HIV prevention practices. The statisticallysignificant level was declared at a P-value < 0.05.

RESULTS: The HIV/AIDS preventive practice among FSWs was61.1% [95% CI 56.2% - 65.9%]. The multivariable logistic regressionanalysis showed that being single [AOR=2.57: 95% CI 1.06, 6.21:P<0.05] and urban residence before being FSWs [AOR= 3.26: 95% CI1.25, 8.54: P<0.05] were found to be enhancing factors of the preventivepractice of HIV/AIDS. However, being illiterate [AOR=0.133: 95% CI0.032, 0.557: P<0.01], young age [AOR=0.065: 95% CI 0.021, 0.196:P<0.001], being alcohol drinker [AOR= 0.104: 95% CI 0.026, 0.417:P<0.01], being cigarette smoker [AOR= 0.096: 95% CI 0.022, 0.414:P<0.01] and lack of aware of HIV transmission [AOR= 0.08: 95% CI0.03, 0.22: P<0.001] were the hindering factors of the preventivepractice of HIV among FSWs.

CONCLUSION: The HIV/AIDS preventive practice among FSWs inAfar region hotspot towns (61.1%) is still very low compared to thecountry progress report on HIV response for FSWs (98%). The regionalhealth bureau should design inclusive strategies to improve the HIVpreventive practice among FSWs. These includes regular HIV testingcampaigns, sustainable condom distribution in the hotspot towns. Theregion should encourage NGOs to work on inclusive HIV preventionupon FSWs. Female sex workers should be aware of the risky behaviorsthat lead to HIV. Additional qualitative methods are also recommended.