title: Risky Business: condom failures as experienced by female sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya.
abstract: Limited research exists about condom failure as experienced by female sex workers. We conducted a qualitative study to examine how female sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya contextualise and explain the occurrence of condom failure. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty female sex workers to ascertain their condom failure experiences. We qualitatively analysed interview transcripts to determine how the women mitigate risk and cope with condom failure. Condom failure was not uncommon, but women mitigated the risk by learning about correct use, and by supplying and applying condoms themselves. Many female sex workers felt that men intentionally rupture condoms. Few women were aware of or felt empowered to prevent HIV, STIs, and pregnancy after condom failure. Interventions to equip female sex workers with strategies for minimising the risk of HIV, STIs, and pregnancy in the aftermath of a condom failure should be investigated.
authors: a Department of Global Health , University of Washington , Seattle , USA.
authors: Caitlyn K
authors: CK
authors: Bradburn
authors: b Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases , University of Nairobi , Nairobi , Kenya.
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Wanje
authors: a Department of Global Health , University of Washington , Seattle , USA.
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Pfeiffer
authors: c Department of Medical Microbiology , University of Nairobi , Nairobi , Kenya.
authors: Walter
authors: W
authors: Jaoko
authors: d College of Nursing , New York University , New York , USA.
authors: Ann E
authors: AE
authors: Kurth
authors: b Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases , University of Nairobi , Nairobi , Kenya.|e Departments of Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health , University of Washington , Seattle , USA.
authors: R Scott
authors: RS
authors: McClelland
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007630:Kenya; D012309:Risk-Taking; D060386:Sex Workers / Q000523:psychology*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000517:prevention & control
keywords: HIV; Kenya; condom failure; sex workers; women