High Pregnancy Rates and Low Contraceptive Use Among Drug-Using Sex Workers
Author Information
Author(s): Duff Putu, Shoveller Jean, Zhang Ruth, Alexson Debbie, Montaner Julio SG, Shannon Kate
Primary Institution: British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
Hypothesis
What are the levels of pregnancy and contraceptive usage among street-based female sex workers who use drugs in Vancouver?
Conclusion
The study found high levels of unwanted pregnancies and low utilization of effective contraceptives among female sex workers who use drugs.
Supporting Evidence
- 84% of the women reported a prior pregnancy.
- The mean number of lifetime pregnancies was 4.
- 45% of participants reported being Caucasian and 47% Aboriginal.
- High rates of previous abortion and child apprehension were observed.
- Only 14% reported using condoms as their only method of birth control.
- Permanent contraceptives were more common among older women.
Takeaway
Many women who work as sex workers and use drugs have had a lot of pregnancies but don't use birth control very much, which is a problem.
Methodology
The study used a community-based prospective cohort design with 211 street-based female sex workers who use drugs, collecting data through interviews and questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Social desirability bias may affect the accuracy of self-reported data.
Limitations
The findings may not be generalizable to all sex workers, and self-reported data may be subject to bias.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 45% Caucasian and 47% Aboriginal women, with a median age of 38 for those reporting 5+ pregnancies.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Confidence Interval
[95%CI = 1.14-5.45]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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