Acceptability of the female condom among sex workers in Thailand - Resultsfrom a prospective study

Background. The female condom may provide women with the first female-contr olled barrier method that is effective against sexually transmitted disease s, including HIV infection. Goal. This study evaluated the acceptability of the female condom among sex workers in Thailand. Study Design: Data on use and acceptability of the female condom were colle cted using a structured questionnaire during an 8-week follow-up. Results: Analyses included 148 women who were still in follow-up at week 8. Sex workers used, on average, 2.8 female condoms per week. The overall sat isfaction rate with the female condom was 68%, although, among users, 31% h ad difficulties in device insertion, 37% had pain from the inner ring, and 22% reported itching sensations. The main reason for using the female condo m in the future was its perceived safety, and the main reason for not using it would be the client's refusal. Conclusion: Two-thirds of the sex workers were satisfied with the female co ndom. Difficulties at insertion, discomfort during use, and clients' attitu de were potential obstacles to the use of the female condom in the future.