Microbicides Development Program, Tanzania???Baseline Characteristics of An Occupational Cohort and Reattendance at 3 Months

The benefits of participatory methodologies to develop effective community dialogue in the context of a microbicide trial feasibility study in Mwanza, Tanzania

“…The study was conducted among women working in food outlets and recreational facilities in ten administrative wards within Mwanza City. Some women in this occupational group are known to periodically supplement their income through transactional sex and although not necessarily perceived as commercial sex workers within the broader community [26-29], are nonetheless at increased risk of STIs and HIV infection [30-32]. …”

A model for community representation and participation in HIV prevention trials among women who engage in transactional sex in Africa

“…Modern bars, guesthouses, groceries, hotels and restaurants tend to be located in relatively more affluent areas (Figure 3). There also appeared to be distinct differences in the demographic and sexual behaviour characteristics and HIV/STI risk profile between women working in these different clusters (Vallely, Kasindi et al, 2007), which raised concerns about their ability to interact with or represent each other that were confirmed by facility workers attending community workshops. Facility workers also felt that the way in which women dress was important and reflected broader socio-demographic differences between facility types.…”

“…did not cover all of the estimated 1107 facilities in the ten study wards but had largely developed around those facilities from which study participants had been enrolled. In addition, high mobility and early losses to follow-up within the cohort (Vallely, Kasindi et al, 2007) closure of facilities within this cluster. The campaign had its greatest impact on mamalishe, with many having to move from their existing places of work to areas with less suitable business opportunities e.g.…”

“…Some women in this occupational group are known to periodically supplement their income through transactional sex and although not necessarily perceived as commercial sex workers within the broader community (Boerma et al, 2002;Clift et al, 2003;Desmond et al, 2005b;Mgalla & Pool, 1997), are nonetheless at increased risk of STIs and HIV infection (Kapiga, Sam, & Shao, 2002;Nkya, Gillespie, & Howlett, 1991;Vallely, Kasindi et al, 2007). Weekly community-based clinics were established at selected guesthouses in each city ward.…”

“…Weekly community-based clinics were established at selected guesthouses in each city ward. Free reproductive health services, including STI syndromic management, family planning, health education, and voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) were provided, as previously described (Vallely, Kasindi et al, 2007).…”