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Induced abortion, contraceptive use, and dual protection among female sex workers in Moscow, Russia
Author(s) -
Decker Michele R.,
Yam Eileen A.,
Wirtz Andrea L.,
Baral Stefan D.,
Peryshkina Alena,
Mogilnyi Vladmir,
Beyrer Chris
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2012.07.026
Subject(s) - medicine , condom , unintended pregnancy , abortion , unsafe abortion , demography , gynecology , family planning , confidence interval , obstetrics , pregnancy , developed country , population , family medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , environmental health , research methodology , syphilis , genetics , sociology , biology
Objective To describe abortion history and current contraceptive use among female sex workers (FSWs) in Moscow, Russia. Methods A clinic‐based survey was conducted among 147 FSWs in Moscow during an 8‐month period in 2005. Results In total, 83 of 143 (58.0%) FSWs reported a history of abortion, with 45 of 143 (31.5%) indicating multiple abortions. Condoms were the primary form of contraception (145/146 [99.3%]); just 17 of 142 (12.0%) FSWs reported using non‐barrier modern contraception. All women who reported using a non‐barrier modern method also indicated condom use (i.e. dual protection). Non‐barrier contraceptive use was associated with inconsistent condom use (odds ratio [OR] 3.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–9.02) and multiple abortions (OR 4.71; 95% CI, 1.19–18.62). Conclusion The results illustrate substantial risk for unintended pregnancy among FSWs. Further research is needed regarding the dynamics of non‐barrier contraception and condom use. Efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of FSWs should include access to safe and effective contraception, in addition to HIV prevention.