[Knowledge and use of contraceptive methods in female sex workers in Asturias [Spain]].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the knowledge and use of contraceptive methods among female sex workers in Asturias (Spain).


METHODS
We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study of 212 female sex workers by means of a self-completed questionnaire.


RESULTS
61.2% of the women claimed to have sufficient information about contraceptive methods, although the real knowledge measured was much lower. Effective contraception was not used by 2.4% of the women in their last commercial relationship and by 20.4% in their private relationships. The most commonly employed method was the condom, but only 52.2% of the women who had used one in their previous commercial relationships did so together with another effective method. In the event of breakage, 40% of women did not have an attitude that would be effective in avoiding pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge about contraceptive methods among these women is lower than might be expected from their occupation. The use of another effective method together with the condom is insufficient to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Many of the women do not have an attitude that would be effective in avoiding pregnancy in the event of condom breakage.
Ojer Tsakiridu
Domingo
D
Centro de Salud de La Felguera, Asturias, España. domingoelena@telefonica.net
Franco Vidal
Amalia
A
Varela Uría
José Antonio
JA
López Sánchez
Carmen
C
Junquera Llaneza
María Luisa
ML
Cuesta Rodríguez
Mar
M
Busto Folgosa
Margarita
M
Fernández Ollero
María Jesús
MJ
D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted; D011477:Sex Work; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires