Vol. 2011 No. 1 (2011)
Mobile Health Interventions and HIV Testing Among Female Sex Workers in Senegal: An Intervention Study
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
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