Journal
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Volume 21, Issue 2, Pages 64-72Publisher
WOMENS HEALTH & ACTION RESEARCH CENTRE
DOI: 10.29063/ajrh2017/v21i2.8
Keywords
sex work; reproductive health; HIV; Uganda; post-conflict
Categories
Funding
- CIHR Team Grant [TVG-115616]
- CIHR
- Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR) Postdoctoral Award
- Canada Research Chair in Global Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS
- Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
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This study aimed to examine the correlates of unintended pregnancies among young women sex workers in conflict-affected northern Uganda. Data were drawn from the Gulu Sexual Health Study, a cross-sectional study of young women engaged in sex work. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of ever having an unintended pregnancy. Among 400 sex workers (median age= 20 years; IQR 19-25), 175 (43.8%) reported at least one unintended pregnancy. In multivariable analysis, primarily servicing clients in lodges/brothels [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR= 2.24; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.03-4.84)], hormonal contraceptive usage [AOR= 1.68; 95% CI 1.11-2.59] and drug/alcohol use while working [AOR= 1.64; 95% CI 1.04-2.60] were positively correlated with previous unintended pregnancy. Given that unintended pregnancy is an indicator of unmet reproductive health need, these findings highlight a need for improved access to integrated reproductive health and HIV services, catered to sex workers` needs. Sex work-led strategies (e. g., peer outreach) should be considered, alongside structural strategies and education targeting brothel/lodge owners and managers.
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