Utilization of contraception and abortion and its relationship to HIV infection among female sex workers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe reported contraceptive and abortion utilization and their relationship to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among female sex workers (FSW) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, women were recruited through outreach workers affiliated with Istiqbolli Avlod. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire and underwent HIV testing.ResultsOf 448 participants, the majority (86.2%, n=386) used contraception; 39.6% reported inconsistent use. Methods most frequently utilized were condoms (50.9%) and intrauterine devices (16.1%). One fourth (24.3%, n=109) reported multiple (≥3) prior abortions. Inconsistent contraceptive users were more likely to be infected with HIV (AOR=2.72, 95% CI=1.19–6.22), but such infection was not related to a specific contraceptive method, including condoms, or utilization of abortion.ConclusionsInconsistent contraceptive use is common and may be a predictor of HIV infection among Tashkent FSW. Factors preventing consistent contraceptive use may be related to HIV risk and require further study in this population.