African Rheumatology | 17 December 2009
Adoption and Risk Factor Reduction Levels of Prevention Practices Among Sex Workers in Mozambique Cities Utilising Community Health Workers: An African Perspective
M, u, s, u, k, a, C, h, i, k, w, a, t, i, ,, M, a, b, u, n, d, a, S, i, b, a, n, d, a, ,, N, y, a, k, a, s, o, l, a, C, h, a, n, g, a, r, a
Abstract
Sex workers in Mozambique cities face high HIV/AIDS risk due to social stigma, lack of access to healthcare and education. A mixed-methods approach was employed including surveys targeting 200 sex workers and qualitative interviews with 15 CHWs in three cities. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. CHW-led prevention programmes showed a significant adoption rate of HIV testing (89%) among sex workers, but risk behaviors such as unprotected sex persisted at 32%. Community health workers play a crucial role in promoting adherence to preventive measures despite challenges. Continued CHW support and further research into behavioural changes are recommended for HIV prevention strategies. 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.