Ithubalethu-Intervention to Address Drug Use and Sexual HIV Risk Patterns among Female Commercial Sex Workers in Durban, South Africa

Previous research shows that interventions aimed at female sex workers (FSWs) can be successful in reducing HIV risk behavior. The current study evaluated a specific HIV prevention intervention for substance-using FSWs in Durban, South Africa by comparing such behaviors before and after the intervention. The intervention was provided by trained outreach workers by an organization that worked with FSWs, and consisted of community-based outreach, HIV and substance use education and information. Safer sex practices were also taught. The sample consisted of 457 substance-using FSWs, with findings indicating a significant decrease in the number of sexual partners (z = -16.05, p < 0.001), number of times they engaged in vaginal sex (z = -8.07, p < 0.001), and a significant decrease in all substances used with the exception of over-the-counter or prescription substances. The intervention therefore seemed to reduce certain risk behaviors among this group of FSWs. Future research should focus on the aspects of the substance use-sex risk intervention that were associated with decreased risk behavior, and include a randomized controlled trial to assess effectiveness of the intervention.