Utilisation of HIV services by female sex workers in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive phenomenological study

Moyo, Idah; Tshivhase, Livhuwani; Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen

doi:10.2989/16085906.2022.2101934

African Journal of AIDS Research

2022

DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2022.2101934

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Utilisation of HIV services by female sex workers in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive phenomenological study

Idah Moyo

Livhuwani Tshivhase

Azwihangwisi Helen Mavhandu-Mudzusi

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Cited by 4 publications

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“…Several studies reported that sex workers had less access to HIV care and prevention services (eg, condoms and HIV tests) during the COVID-19 pandemic than they had before. 37 , 41 , 42 , 43 …”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Harm reduction and rights-based approaches to reduce monkeypox transmission among sex workers

Strathdee

Crago²,

Shannon

2023

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

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mentioning

confidence: 99%

Harm reduction and rights-based approaches to reduce monkeypox transmission among sex workers

Strathdee

Crago²,

Shannon

2023

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

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Struggling, Forgotten, and Under Pressure: A Scoping Review of Experiences of Sex Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2023

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The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected physical, mental, and economic well-being across the globe and has disproportionately affected certain vulnerable groups. This paper provides a scoping review of literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sex workers, published between December 2019 and December 2022. Six databases were systematically searched, identifying 1009 citations; 63 studies were included in the review. Thematic analysis revealed eight main themes: financial issues; exposure to harm; alternate ways of working; COVID-19 knowledge, protective behaviors, fear, and risk; well-being, mental health, and coping; access to support; access to health care; and the impact of COVID-19 on research with sex workers. COVID-associated restrictions led to reduced work and income, leaving many sex workers struggling to cover basic needs; additionally, government protections excluded those working in the informal economy. Fearing the loss of their already reduced number of clients, many felt compelled to compromise both prices and protective measures. Although some engaged in online sex work, this raised concerns about visibility and was impossible for those without technological access or skills. Many feared COVID-19, but felt pressure to continue working, often with clients who refused to wear masks or share exposure history. Other negative impacts on well-being related to the pandemic included reduced access to financial support or health care. Marginalized populations (and especially those in professions which require close contact like sex workers) need further support and capacity-building within the community to recover from the impact of COVID-19.

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Innovative strategies to enhance HIV service delivery among female sex workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe

Tshivhase,

Moyo

2023

IJRBS

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Globally, access to HIV services by key populations has always been a challenge even prior the emergence of Coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19). With reference to Zimbabwe, sex workers experienced challenges in accessing HIV services as was exacerbated by the pandemic and related lockdown restrictions. In the given context, it was critical to develop innovative approaches to increase female sex workers’ access to HIV treatment. Such approaches help prevent treatment interruption and contribute to HIV epidemic control. The study aimed to explore and describe the innovative approaches that were adopted to enhance HIV service delivery among female sex workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe. A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological design was used to attain the study’s objective. Ten purposefully sampled participants were individually interviewed following a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s seven steps. The research findings yielded the following themes: participants received differentiated HIV service delivery through community-based outreach, virtual psychosocial interventions, and support systems through peers, family, and institutions. The innovative approaches to promote HIV service delivery during COVID-19 enhanced female sex workers’ access to differentiated person-centred care and promoted treatment continuity. Community workers were also vital in supporting their peers’ treatment adherence. The lessons drawn from this study are critical and can be utilised in different settings.

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Utilisation of HIV services by female sex workers in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive phenomenological study

Cited by 4 publications

References 41 publications

Harm reduction and rights-based approaches to reduce monkeypox transmission among sex workers

Harm reduction and rights-based approaches to reduce monkeypox transmission among sex workers

Struggling, Forgotten, and Under Pressure: A Scoping Review of Experiences of Sex Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Innovative strategies to enhance HIV service delivery among female sex workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe

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