Determinants of consistent condom use among female commercial sex workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo: implications for interventions.

Abstract

Substance use, including injecting drug use, (IOU) has been associated with comparatively low condom usage. This article confirms my observations at different levels. Advanced Sign out The article is about safer sexual practices between users and non-users of drugs and alcohol in the Republic of Congo. It demonstrates a low non-adherance of condom use, and the norm of carrying a condom, in injecting drug users as compared to non-users. These differences remained significant even when subjected to multivariety analysis. Drug users can become 'high' and lose their sense of vulnerability and/or manual dextrity to put on a condom. Forgetfulness also plays a part. The study is relevant to my experience with drug users and their attitudes to sex. In these individuals, there is more indiscriminate sex. and without the use of condom, as regards to non-drug users. Some drug users also sell sex purely to finance their drug habit. Clinicans must always target the behaviour of drug users and suggest biological intervention for both drug users and non-users.