African Media Theory and Research | 13 November 2003
Female Sex Workers' HIV Testing Acceptance Rates in Lagos, Nigeria: Pre-Post Intervention Risk Perception and Practice Changes
F, u, n, m, i, l, a, y, o, A, d, e, y, e, m, o, ,, C, h, i, n, e, d, u, N, n, a, m, d, i
Abstract
Lagos, Nigeria has a significant population of female sex workers who are at high risk for HIV due to their occupation. Despite national efforts to reduce HIV prevalence through campaigns and interventions, acceptance rates and practice changes among this demographic have not been extensively studied. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a survey with quantitative data collection methods to measure risk perceptions and practice changes, alongside qualitative interviews to explore deeper insights into the intervention's impact. The sample included female sex workers who consented to participate in both phases of the study. Pre-intervention, only 35% of respondents reported having undergone HIV testing within the past year. Post-intervention, this figure rose to 48%, indicating an improvement in acceptance rates. Interviews revealed themes such as increased awareness about HIV prevention and safer sex practices post-intervention. The intervention was effective in enhancing risk perception among female sex workers in Lagos, leading to a significant increase in HIV testing uptake. These findings suggest that targeted interventions can be successful in improving healthcare-seeking behaviors related to HIV/AIDS among this vulnerable population. Further research should explore the sustainability of these changes and consider additional support mechanisms post-intervention to maintain behavioural improvements. Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p<em>i)=\beta</em>0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.