Objectives: To examine factors influencing consistent condom use among sex workers in Nigeria.
Data and Methods: This study used a 1998 nationally representative sample of 2,578 sex workers. Most sex workers were urban (83.9%), under age 30 (74.7%), had at least primary schooling (83%), had been involved in sex work for at least one year (60%) and had a regular partner (72.2%). Logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of consistent condom use.
Results: Sex workers who were exposed to advertisements for "Gold Circle" and "Cool" condom brands were two times as likely to consistently use condoms than those who did not see any advertisements (p < 0.001). Sex workers who knew two or more modes of HIV transmission were 44% more likely to consistently use condoms than those who had no such knowledge p < 0.05). Sex workers who worried about contracting HIV were two times as likely to consistently use condoms than those not worried (p < 0.001). The most important predictor of consistent condom use was self-efficacy. Sex workers who asked all clients to use condoms were 39 times more likely to consistently use condoms than those who did not ask all clients to use condoms.
Conclusions: Program interventions that use multiple communication media to increase condom brand awareness, to provide information about the modes of HIV transmission and its consequences, and to increase self-efficacy, can help improve consistency of condom use among Nigerian sex workers. Such programs may reduce the likelihood of HIV transmission to other populations.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the learner will be able to: 1. Recognize the factors associated with higher levels of consistent condom use among Nigerian sex workers, and 2. Articulate how HIV prevention programs that emphasize these factors can help reduce the likelihood of HIV transmission to other populations.
Keywords: Condom Use, HIV Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.