Acceptability and use of the female condom and diaphragm among sex workers in Dominican Republic: results from a prospective study

AIDS Educ Prev. 2009 Dec;21(6):538-51. doi: 10.1521/aeap.2009.21.6.538.

Abstract

To assess the acceptability and use of the female condom and diaphragm among female sex workers in the Dominican Republic, 243 participants were followed for 5 months. Participants received female and male condoms and a diaphragm along with proper counseling at monthly visits. Seventy-six percent reported used of female condom at least once during the final month of the study, compared with 50% that used the diaphragm with male condoms and 9% that used the diaphragm alone. The proportion of women reporting every sex act protected with some barrier method increased from 66% at first month to 77% at final month (p < 0.05). Participants reported higher acceptability and use of the female condom than the diaphragm. The introduction of female-controlled barrier methods resulted in the use of a wide range of prevention methods and a significant reduction in unprotected sex.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravaginal
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / administration & dosage
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Condoms, Female / statistics & numerical data*
  • Contraception Behavior / statistics & numerical data
  • Contraceptive Devices, Female / statistics & numerical data*
  • Dominican Republic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sex Work / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies / administration & dosage
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies