Differences in Access to HIV Services and Risky Sexual Behaviors among Malawian Women at Social Venues Who Do and Do Not Engage in Sex Work

Citation

Frascino, Nicole Y.; Edwards, Jessie K.; Herce, Michael E.; Maselko, Joanna; Pettifor, Audrey E.; Mbeye, Nyanyiwe; Weir, Sharon S.; & Pence, Brian W. (2021). Differences in Access to HIV Services and Risky Sexual Behaviors among Malawian Women at Social Venues Who Do and Do Not Engage in Sex Work. AIDS and Behavior, 25(9), 2920-2928. PMCID: PMC8686526

Abstract

In the high HIV-burden country of Malawi, female sex workers (FSW) are one of the populations most profoundly affected by HIV. The Malawi Priorities for Local AIDS Control Efforts (PLACE) surveyed 1,004 self-identified FSW, 213 other FSW (OFSW), and 130 other high risk women (OHRW) at social venues. Analyses compared the three groups using survey-weighted log binomial regression models. Each group had a distinct pattern of usage and access to services: OFSW and FSW had greater access to condoms, while using a condom ever was greatest among FSW. Nearly all women knew where to get tested for HIV but very few used FSW drop-in centers. HIV prevalence was high in all three groups (35% FSW, 20% OFSW, 20% OHRW). Given these results, HIV services should be targeted to all women at social venues in Malawi, regardless of sex worker status to improve health outcomes and limit onward transmission of HIV.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10461-021-03289-7

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2021

Journal Title

AIDS and Behavior

Author(s)

Frascino, Nicole Y.
Edwards, Jessie K.
Herce, Michael E.
Maselko, Joanna
Pettifor, Audrey E.
Mbeye, Nyanyiwe
Weir, Sharon S.
Pence, Brian W.

Article Type

Regular

PMCID

PMC8686526

Data Set/Study

Malawi Priorities for Local AIDS Control Efforts (PLACE) Study

Continent/Country

Malawi

Sex/Gender

Women

ORCiD

Maselko - 0000-0002-6270-8237
Weir - 0000-0001-6014-1460
Pettifor - 0000-0002-3387-0817
Edwards, J -0000-0002-1741-335X