African Information Science Research (LIS focus) | 11 December 2011
Mobile Health Interventions and HIV Testing Among Female Sex Workers in Senegal: An Intervention Study
M, a, m, a, d, o, u, D, i, o, p, ,, D, i, a, l, l, a, S, o, w
Abstract
Female sex workers (FSWs) in Senegal are at high risk for HIV infection. Mobile health interventions have shown promise in increasing HIV testing rates among other vulnerable populations. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a total sample size of 500 FSWs. Participants were randomly assigned into an intervention group (\(n=250)\) receiving mobile health services including SMS reminders for HIV testing, educational materials about HIV/AIDS, and access to confidential HIV test sites via their phones, and a control group (\(n=250)\). Data collection was performed through pre- and post-intervention surveys. The intervention group showed a statistically significant increase in the proportion of FSWs who reported receiving HIV tests compared to the control group. Specifically, 78% of participants in the intervention group received at least one HIV test, whereas only 52% of those in the control group did. Mobile health interventions appear effective in increasing HIV testing rates among female sex workers in Senegal, with a statistically significant difference observed between the two groups. Further research should explore long-term effects and sustainability of such mobile health interventions to ensure continuous access to services for FSWs. Female Sex Workers, HIV Testing Rates, Mobile Health Interventions, Randomized Controlled Trial