Amanda Cleeve1, Ketkesone Phrasisombath2, Vanphanom Sychareun2, Elisabeth Faxelid3. 1. Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address: amanda.cleeve@gmail.com. 2. Faculty of Postgraduate Study, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Laos. 3. Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Global Health (IHCAR), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Female sex workers (FSWs) are at risk of unintended pregnancies and induced abortions (IAs). This study aimed to describe attitudes towards and experiences of IA among FSWs in Laos. METHODS: 258 FSWs were interviewed in Kaysone Phomvihan, Laos. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Overall, 24% of the respondents reported experience of IA. Fifteen percent reported experience of unintended pregnancy after entering sex work, whereof all had ended in IA. Thirty-six percent had self-induced the last IA and 64% were carried out in private clinics. The main reasons for having IAs were paternity denial and lack of financial and social support. A majority agreed or strongly agreed that IA should not be legal in Laos and that women who undergo IA are immoral, but also that IA is the only option a FSW has when experiencing an unintended pregnancy. A positive attitude towards IA was associated with longer duration of sex work and being unmarried. CONCLUSION: IAs were common. Respondents' attitudes and practices reflected limited options when experiencing an unintended pregnancy, and were influenced by negative social perceptions. Interventions targeting FSWs should raise awareness of IA and post-abortion care, and promote dual contraceptive use with highly effective contraceptives.
OBJECTIVE: Female sex workers (FSWs) are at risk of unintended pregnancies and induced abortions (IAs). This study aimed to describe attitudes towards and experiences of IA among FSWs in Laos. METHODS: 258 FSWs were interviewed in Kaysone Phomvihan, Laos. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Overall, 24% of the respondents reported experience of IA. Fifteen percent reported experience of unintended pregnancy after entering sex work, whereof all had ended in IA. Thirty-six percent had self-induced the last IA and 64% were carried out in private clinics. The main reasons for having IAs were paternity denial and lack of financial and social support. A majority agreed or strongly agreed that IA should not be legal in Laos and that women who undergo IA are immoral, but also that IA is the only option a FSW has when experiencing an unintended pregnancy. A positive attitude towards IA was associated with longer duration of sex work and being unmarried. CONCLUSION: IAs were common. Respondents' attitudes and practices reflected limited options when experiencing an unintended pregnancy, and were influenced by negative social perceptions. Interventions targeting FSWs should raise awareness of IA and post-abortion care, and promote dual contraceptive use with highly effective contraceptives.
Authors: Anne Marieke Simmelink; Caroline M Gichuki; Frances H Ampt; Griffins Manguro; Megan S C Lim; Paul Agius; Margaret Hellard; Walter Jaoko; Mark A Stoové; Kelly L'Engle; Marleen Temmerman; Peter Gichangi; Stanley Luchters Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2022-10-07 Impact factor: 3.006