Acceptability of female condom use among women exchanging street sex in New York City

Greater access to alternative female-initiated barrier methods, such as the female condom, is needed among women exchanging street sex. This study des cribes knowledge of and experience with the female condom among 101 women e xchanging sex for money and drugs on the streets of New York City, and exam ines the acceptability of female condom use as an alternative barrier metho d for HIV/STD prevention among this population. female condom use among thi s sample of sex workers was found to be related to having a regular sexual partner, living with someone who is a drug or alcohol abuser, not being hom eless, using alcohol or intravenous heroin, having heard of the device, and having discussed the device with other women or with a regular sexual part ner. Despite decreased acceptability post-use, most sex workers indicated a n intention for future female condom use.