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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Sandra G. García, Sc D¹, Daniel Grossman, MD², and Diana Lara, MD¹. (1) Reproductive Health Program, Population Council, Escondida 110, Col. Villa Coyoacán, Mexico City, 04000, Mexico, 5255-59998630, dlara@popcouncil.org.mx, (2) Reproductive Health Program, Ibis Reproductive Health, 3333 California Street, Suite 335, San Francisco, CA 94143-0744

Background: Female sex workers are clearly at particularly high risk of acquiring both bacterial and viral STIs. Researchers have investigated methods to prevent STIs that are female-controlled and perhaps could be used either without the male partner's knowledge or with passive acquiescence. Use of these methods in groups at high risk of STIs could be a useful tool to prevent STI transmission.

Objectives: To assess the acceptability of two female-controlled barrier methods (female condoms and diaphragms) in a population of sex workers in Dominican Republic.

Methods: We will recruit a sample of 250 sex workers in two cities of the Dominican Republic (Santiago and Puerto Plata) that will be followed for a period of five months. At the enrollment visit, participants will receive the study products (female and male condoms and a diaphragm) along with proper counseling about the use of these methods. During the four monthly follow-up visits, we will collect information about the participant's use of the barrier methods and any problems she may have had with its use. In these visits participants will also receive counseling as well as assessments of chlyamydia and gonorrhea infections using urine PCR testing.

Preliminary results: We have recruited at this time 78 women, 41 in Santiago and 37 in Puerto Plata. Among 131 women who have been screened for the study, 3.8% have NG and 8.4% have CT. Few women reported problems to insert and remove the diaphragm. Women are using more frequently female condoms in sexual intercourses than the diaphragm.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the perceptions and acceptability of female-controlled barrier methods in a population of sex workers in Dominican Republic.
• Identify barriers that can limit the use of barrier methods to prevent bacterial STIs.
• Describe the CT and NG infection rates in this population.

Keywords: Sexual Risk Behavior, Sex Workers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered