In this study, we aimed to identify all factors influence on the condom use among FSWs. In addition, we aimed to present a robust and reliable estimate of degree of association between the identified factors with the condom use.
In this meta-analysis, ten factors include marital status, alcohol use, history of violence, history of sexual abuse, history of STIs, STIs knowledge, HIV risk perception, drug use, knowledge about the condom use, the condom use self-efficacy identified which influence on the condom use in FSWs. Accordingly, sexual abuse decreases the probability of condom use by 87%, which is the strongest predictor among the other factors. On the other hand, STIs knowledge increases probability of condom use by 7% which was the weakest predictor among predictors, although it was not statistically significant.
In this meta-analysis, sexual violence was identified as the major factor affecting the use of condoms in FSWs. In fact, sexual violence and sexual abuse have a significant negative impact on sexual health of FSWs as one of the main victims of sexual violence which results in reduction of the condom use [47-49]. Experience of sexual and physical violence and sexual abuse of FSWs has been mentioned as one of the major barriers to condom use in various studies [50-52]. Sexual violence in FSWs can lead to decrease in self-confidence and fear of sexual and physical violence, and finally to low resistance to negotiate about the condom use. Therefore, it increases the rate of sexually transmitted diseases [48].
In this study, being single is associated with the inconsistent condom use. Obstacles to using a condom in singles may be the inadequate education and information [53] , inappropriate emotional relationships with family or sexual partners, and lack of male support for the condom acceptance[54].
In our study, the alcohol use and the drug use were identified as a barrier to the condom use. In fact, drug abuse through effect on proper decision making decreases probability of the condom use. Due to need for drug and shelter, the addicted FSWs are weaker than other FSWs which deliver unsafe sex in return for more money [55]. In addition, alcohol and drug abuse strongly impact the judgment and safe behavior and choices of women and put them at bigger risk [56, 57].
Female sex workers need more condom use with their partners and they often encounter challenges, such as lack of knowledge [58] , inefficacy in negotiating condoms with partners [59] , understanding HIV risk [60]. A positive attitude toward condom use and one's ability to use a condom is strongly associated with more condom use [61].
Another factor affecting condom use is increased self-efficacy [62]. The self-efficacy of the condom use is defined as one's ability to negotiate with the client to the condom use [63]. Self-efficacy beliefs not only affect how well individuals motivate themselves and persevere in the face of difficulties but also effect on the choices they make at important decisional points [64].
FSWs with higher school education levels had significantly higher self-efficacy of condom use [63]. Any factors in understanding the risk of STI, and knowledge of the condom use and self-efficacy by the condom use can be effective factors in the condom use. Awareness of the ways of transmission and methods of HIV prevention and acceptance by sex-workers seem to be effective in modifying high-risk behaviors and reducing HIV and STI prevalence. One of the reasons for the improper performance of women in high-risk groups is the lack of awareness about protective behaviors among this of women [60]. Various studies have shown a relationship between the condom use and understanding of its benefits in HIV prevention [65-67].
Due to the complexity of sexual behavior and sexual partner in any relationship, even though awareness and skill and self-efficacy, women may not have the ability and power to prevent STI and protective behaviors. In some cases, condoms are not used even with a positive attitude toward condoms, risk perception, and even desire and intention behavior [68-70]. Therefore, the condom use behavior cannot be predicted well based on individual factors [69]. However, several factors can effect on the use of condom. Knowledge of STIs and the self-efficacy by the use of condoms alone cannot be effective in using condoms alone. Poverty, need for shelter, and the need for FSWs to drugs can be factors influencing the self-efficacy of the condom use [71]. Low self-efficacy and poverty have often been reported as reasons for not using condoms by the FSW[72, 73]. Client refusal because they understand that condoms reduce pleasure during sex. Therefore, some FSWs have sex without a condom. Almost all FSWs report that the reason for not using a condom is a financial problem and low self-efficacy to persuade the customer[74]. studies in other countries show varying rates of the condom use during a paid sexual transaction .When sexual partners offered more money for sex without a condom, FSWs tended to accept the cash over the protection [75]. Poverty hinders and facilitates the condom negotiations of sex workers. Half of the studies include severe economic deprivation and the need for basic survival as barriers to negotiation [14, 73, 75].
In this meta-analysis, it is likely that part of the relationship between factors identified with not using a condom was under confounding factors, and the other part related to other high-risk behaviors that were not examined.
This study had some limitations should be mentioned. First, the results of this meta-analysis are based on data extracted from observational studies that are related to intrinsic biases that cannot be changed, therefore, we could not confirm the causal impact of the identified factors on using the condom. We also searched for original articles in English that may lead to misinterpretation of the results. We could not assess the effect of age, vacation levels, and income levels using meta-analysis. Despite these limitations, this meta-analysis could estimate the relationship between identified factors and high-risk behaviors effectively. In this meta-analysis, regardless of age, country, race, publication date, we considered a variety of observational studies. We evaluated 4050 articles, including 33 studies with 13500 participants. Therefore, this study provides an acceptable conclusion for factors that influence on condom use in FSWs.
Implications:
This study implication for health providers and policy-makers. First, many factors are associated with the condom use among FSWs. These factors include wide scope of socio-economic, cultural and political deserve to be paid attention by policy-makers. Therefore, wide spectrum of interventions is needed to increase condom use among FSWs. Lack of proper education and timely information to female sex workers is one of the obstacles to understanding the risk and acquiring the necessary skills to protect against HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, sex education in high-risk groups can be effective tool in developing these skills and lead to increased self-efficacy in the condom use. In addition, due to the illegality of sex work, poverty, and stigma make FSWs avoid negotiating with partners for the condom use. These results are needed for policymakers to re-consider public health strategies and regulatory frameworks in the commercial sex industry. Finally, empowering of women vulnerable women through training about sexually transmitted diseases, methods of preventing STIs, and skills of using condoms as part of their reduction programs are recommended.