EACS2023: 47 Association between depression and consistency of condom use among female sex workers in Blantyre: the case of a commercial city of Malawi O.D. Mbekwani-Kalata Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Health Policy Unit, Blantyre, Malawi General data Abstract category: Access and delivery of care Abstract body Purpose: The prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including HIV is 13 times higher in female sex workers (FSWs) than their counterpart women. Depression poses a risk for inconsistent condom use among this population and could therefore increase the risk of HIV transmission to the general population. Therefore this study was aimed at investigating the association between depression and condom use among FSW of Blantyre urban, Malawi. Method: Female Sex Workers 18 years or order, who had been conducting sex work for at least 6 months in Blantyre, were enrolled after giving a written informed consent. A questionnaire that included standardised Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) translated into a vernacular language was administered to assess symptoms of depression and condom use. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated using multivariate logistic regression to compare consistency of condom use between FSW showing depression symptoms and those who do not. Results: A total of 224 FSW were enrolled in the study, with a mean duration of sex work of 3 years 6 months. The prevalence of depression as determined by the depression score was 47.8% (107/224), while inconsistent condom use was reported by 43.3% (97/224). The prevalence of HIV was 69.3% (151/224). The odds of consistent condom use among those with depression symptoms were 40% less than in those that did not report symptoms (0.6; 95% CI 0.3-1.1, p=0.04). After adjusting for confounders (age, marital status and duration of sex work), there was weak evidence of an association between depression and inconsistent condom use (p=0.07) in this population. Conclusions: The study revealed that female sex workers were vulnerable to depression. Similarly, self-reported HIV positive status was high. There was weak evidence of an association between depression and inconsistent condom use in this population. General conditions 1. I confirm that I previewed this abstract and that all information is correct. I accept that the content of this abstract cannot be modified or corrected after the submission deadline and I am aware that it will be published exactly as submitted.: Yes 2. I confirm that the submission of the abstract constitutes my consent to publication (e.g. conference website, programmes, other promotions, etc.). : Yes 3. I herewith confirm that the contact details saved in this system are those of the corresponding author, who will be notified about the status of the abstract. The corresponding author is responsible for informing the other authors about the status of the abstract.: Yes 4. I agree that all data provided may be used (saved, stored, processed, transmitted and deleted) in compliance with the privacy policy to provide the services described.: Yes 1 1 6 19TH EUROPEAN AIDS CONFERENCE | WARSAW 2023
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