Knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards the utilization of female condoms by female sex workers in calabar municipality, cross river state, Nigeria

Background: Consistent and appropriate use of female condom is the most effective way of preventing HIV/AIDs transmission and unplanned pregnancies. Studies suggest that women are more likely to get infected with Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) than men and they bear the brunt of the consequences associated with unplanned pregnancies and STDs, however there are existing gaps in the knowledge and use of female condoms by female sex workers in Nigeria, hence the need to explore this intervention. Method: A descriptive survey design was employed using a pretested and validated semi-structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge and use of female condoms by 205 purposively selected female sex workers. Data was analyzed using SPSS and results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Majority, 125 (60.9%) of the respondents were single, and 57 (27.8%) of them were between 21-29 years. 145 (70.8%) of them attended secondary school, and 115 (56.1%) of them had heard of the female condom. Of these 115 subjects, 57 (49.6%) of them stated that the female condom was a barrier contraceptive method, however, only 11 (9.5%) of them were of the opinion that the female condom can prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Conclusion: The introduction of the female condom, the use of which is largely controlled by the female was to empower women to have dual protection from sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. Its utilization however is dependent on knowledge. Therefore, considering the fact that sex workers are critical in the global fight to eliminate HIV/AIDS, efforts at promoting the acceptability and accessibility of the female condom among female sex workers through targeted education and social marketing interventions should be up-scaled.