Abstract:
Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis is a critical intervention that has evolved significantly
for the preventions of HIV. The program of PrEP is scaling-up globally. Nonetheless, it needs
careful considerations. Study addressing utilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis among female
sex worker in Ethiopia is rare.
Objective: To assess utilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis among female sex workers and
associated factors in Ambo town West Shoa, Oromia Region, Ethiopia 2022
Methods: From July 1 to October 30, 2022, a community-based cross-sectional study was
carried out using both quantitative and qualitative (convergent mixed method) methodologies. A
total of 263 study subjects were selected using non random sampling technique. Data were collected via
face- to face interview using structured questionnaire. The gathered data were coded, entered
into Epi data version 4.6, and then exported to SPSS version 20.0. Variables with P-values< 0.25
in bivariable logistic regression were selected as candidates for multivariable logistic regressions
to control confounding. Hosmer Lemeshow test was used to test the goodness of model fitness.
Adjusted odds ratios were estimated with 95% CI to show strength of the association and P-value
<0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Qualitative data was analyzed using narrative
method.
Result: Formal education (AOR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.09–0.3) were factors that facilitate the use of
Pre-exposure prophylaxis PrEP, and concern that other FSW will stigmatize them (AOR: 2.2;
95% CI: 1.03–4.7), concern that other people will stigmatize them (AOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.3–6.5)
and drug side effects (AOR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5–6.8) were factors that affects the utilization of Preexposure prophylaxis. In in-depth interview: drinking alcohol and using other substances like
chat and shisha were factors that influence the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis. Conclusion: The
main findings of this study suggest that lack of formal education, drug side effects and stigma
and discrimination were factors that affects the utilization of Pre-exposure prophylaxis. Health
care professionals and policy makers could use these findings to plan, implement and evaluate
their health education programs and services
