From “Doing runs” to those who “Use ampiclox to flush diseases”: Partner types, condom use and HIV-protective behaviors of a mixed sample of young Nigerian women

A mixed sample of young women (n = 40), age, 18-25, were recruited for the current study. The sample comprised of female street hawkers (n = 8); female sex workers (n = 16), and female university students (n = 16). Female street hawkers and university students were randomly approached at three locations in Lagos, Nigeria (two university campuses and a motor park/market) and screened to eliminate those who did not meet the criteria for the current study, i.e., current and/or past history of sexual relationships with older men or ‘sugar daddies'. Female sex workers (FSWs) were recruited from two brothels. A criterion for inclusion in the study was that the participant may not have participated in any form of HIV/AIDS prevention program in the past.

The study used a mixed data collection method, consisting of qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the types of sexual relationships that young women in Lagos, Nigeria were likely to engage in, and how their perceptions of HIV risks in such relationships and economic asymmetry influences the decisions to use condom or not, and what types of preventive behaviors, in the form of post exposure practices girls were likely to engage in which might increase their risk of infection and spreading the virus to other populations.

Quantitative data was collected through a Demographic/Sexual History Questionnaire; while qualitative study methods included in-depth one-one interviews with participants and focus group discussions (FGDs). Qualitative data was thematically analyzed to identify themes and patterns of sexual behavior and practices that increase risk among young women. Analyses of quantitative data was conducted in SPSS and included using regression models to assess variables such as “consistency of condom use” in the previous 12-months, and the relationship between “age of first sexual intercourse” with number of partners reported. Data triangulation is used through sequential analyses to allow for the assessment of the validity of the responses provided by participants as part of the three data collection methods.