Reasons for Inconsistent Condom Use among Female Sex Workers: Need for Integrated Reproductive and Prevention Services

BACKGROUND: Interventions for condom use promotion have been undertaken for HIV prevention among female sex workers (FSWs). Our aims are to (1) assess the frequency of inconsistent condom use with clients and with the main regular non-client sex partner (RNCP); and (2) investigate factors associated with inconsistent condom use with the RNCP particularly the desire to have children and links of the RNCP with commercial sex work. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Conakry Guinea among 223 FSWs. A questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics behaviours and desire for children was administered. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: Inconsistent condom use was frequent with the RNCP but rare with the clients (80.4% vs. 1.3%). FSWs desire for children was strongly associated with inconsistent condom use with the RNCP. CONCLUSION: Interventions that take into account reproductive health are needed to prevent HIV among FSWs and their children.