Short-term acceptability of female condom use among low-fee female sex workers in China: a follow-up study

BACKGROUND: Low-fee female sex workers (FSW) lack power to effectively negotiate male condom use with clients. Female condoms (FCs) may provide an alternative strategy. This study was conducted to assess the acceptability of FC use among low-fee FSWs, and to identify appropriate candidates for future FC promotion. METHODS: A one-month follow-up study was conducted. At entry into the study, eligible participants completed a baseline questionnaire and were given 10 FCs. At the one-month follow up encounter, the number of used FC packages were counted and each participant completed a follow-up questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with more frequent use of FCs (> 2 times). RESULTS: A total of 312 low-fee FSWs were enrolled at baseline and all participants completed the follow-up evaluation. Among them, 123 (39.4%) participants had used more than two FCs. Participants who were illiterate or had completed at most primary school education (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.4–7.2), charged ≤30 RMB per client (≤30 vs. 51–80 RMB, OR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.9–7.6), or had consistently used condoms with regular clients in the past month (OR: 2.4, 95%CI: 1.4–4.2) were more likely to use FCs. CONCLUSION: Low-fee FSWs charging ≤30 RMB per client, and those who are less educated may be appropriate initial candidates for FC promotion in China. Strategies to consider include teaching FSWs tactics for negotiation of FC use that can initially be applied with regular clients, and providing education to maximize ease-of use, and minimize discomfort with FC usage. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12905-019-0773-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.