Attitude and level of knowledge related to contraception among
female sex workers
S. Ozalp, H.M. Tanir, A. Yildirim, O. T. Yalcin, B. Tekin, Z. Yildiz
Eskisehir Osmangazi University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Eskisehir, Turkey
Objective Main reproductive health risks of
female sex workers are unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
They should be followed and counselled periodically about these issues. This
cross-sectional study was aimed to determine the rates of contraceptive use,
pregnancy rates and STDs rate among these specific women population.
Design and methods
The study included twenty-four female sex workers (study group) and 24
aged-matched women (control group) admitted to outpatient gynecology clinic. A
questionnaire, composed of 20 questions related to reproductive health, was
conducted. Demographic factors and fertility characteristics such as number of
parity, gravidity, induced or spontaneous abortion, number of living children
and duration of current contraceptive method use were assessed in both groups.
Results There were no differences in mean age, number of gravidity, abortion
and current contraceptive method used between two groups. However, number of
deliveries (p<0.01) and number of living children (p=0.02) were higher in the control group. Unwanted pregnancies (p<0.01) and termination of pregnancy (p<0.01) were more frequent in the study group. The frequency of unwanted pregnancy was higher during no-contraceptive using period in the study group (p<0.01). Both groups did not differ with regard to their knowledge, degree of satisfaction of method used and source of information about contraception. In the study group, combined oral contraceptive use was higher (37%, p<0.01) while, coitus interruptus was more common in the control group (66%, p<0.01). History of STDs was more frequent in the study group (50%, p<0.001).
Conclusions In Turkey, prostitution is legal and under the control of health
authorities. Female sex workers in Turkey are periodically examined in every
three months with regard to STDs and HIV testing. Given the results of the
present study, these women should be encouraged to use effective contraceptive
methods for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and condoms to reduce STDs.