Using sex workers as researchers to assess condom use rates in brothels in Nigeria.
Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. WeOrC1251)
Anyanti J, Ankomah A, Mamman-Daura F, Omoregie G Society for Family Health, Abuja, Nigeria
Background Most conventional research efforts at investigating consistent condom use among sex-workers have been ineffective as sex workers have good reasons to mistrust and resist researchers, and social desirability often leads to reported higher-than-actual levels of condom use. Methods 25 brothels were selected in five states; one was from a truck-stop in each. For each selected brothel, a trusted sex worker was recruited and used as a collaborative partner to obtain information on the level of condom use in the brothel. The discreet process ensured that no suspicion was raised among other resident sex workers. A total number of 383 sex workers were interviewed. A tally sheet was provided to record all observations and responses to questions on condom use with different partners. All possible efforts were made to reduce threats to data validity. The informants were visited by researchers twice every week in neutral locations to collect completed tally sheets as well as debrief on any useful information. Findings Seventy percent reported using condoms in their last sex act with a client. Fifty-seven percent reported consistent use with all clients. Only 27% consistently used condoms with their boyfriends and husbands. These figures are between 20% and 50% lower than collected by conventional research methods. Conclusions It can be concluded that fewer sex workers used condoms consistently with the various partner types than they reported in other studies carried out in Nigeria among sex workers. In this study, the figures observed are more likely to be the 'real' representation of actual condom use among sex workers with their various partners, as been corroborated in qualitative studies on condom use. Other researchers will need to consider this as a means of collection of information to design appropriate programmes for HIV prevention.
Keywords: AEGIS, Prostitution, Condoms, Interviews, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Sex, Coitus, Nigeria, Humans, utilization
