Abstract

Adeneye A.K., Adeneye A.A., Mafe M.A., Adeiga A.A.

In view of the paucity of empirical data on condom use among female sex workers (FSWs) with their clients and regular/trusted sex partners in Nigeria, particularly Ogun State, this study was conducted to examine FSWs’ knowledge and perception about HIV/AIDS and find out their pattern of condom use with their clients and regular/trusted sex partners. One hundred and thirty-one FSWs were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria. Results showed pervasive consistent condom use (95.4%) with high (74.8%) incidence of condom breakage with clients, inconsistent condom use with regular/trusted partners (75.6%), drug/substance abuse as post-exposure prophylaxis, recent STI experiences, and low self-perceived risk of HIV infection among the FSWs studied. A few (1.5%) respondents who were not using condoms with their clients at all were also not using with their regular/trusted sex partners. Results showed the need for urgent educational interventions on proper condom use particularly targeting FSWs who use no condom or often experience condom breakage with clients and deemed it less imperative to use condom with their regular/trusted sex partners. The programmatic response should emphasise the dangers of substance abuse, their vulnerability to STIs and HIV and becoming vessels of spreading such infections.