Prevalence of pregnancy, unintended pregnancy, poor pregnancy outcome and its associated factors among female sex workers in Cameroon

  1. Jean-Pierre Yves Awono Noah
  2. Justin Ndié
  3. Clifford Muluh
  4. Rogacien Kana Dongmo
  5. Francis Ateba Ndongo
  6. Félicité Naah Tabala
  7. Jean de Dieu Anoubissi
  8. Martial Guengang Tedongmo
  9. Yembe Njamnshi Wepnyu
  10. Martial Aimé Bonyohe
  11. Jaures Metambou
  12. Yvette Ndjatte Heuya
  13. Zacheaus Zeh Akiy
  14. Iris Kuoh Ebongue
  15. Carrine Angumua
  16. Albert Zeh Meka
  17. Basile Keugoung
  18. Joseph Fokam
  19. Jérôme Ateudjieu
  20. Anne Cécile Zoung-Kanyi Bissek
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Abstract

Background Sub-Saharan Africa has a high prevalence of pregnancy among female sex workers (FSWs). Understanding FSWs' pregnancy intentions and how they affect pregnancies can help prevent unintended pregnancies (UP) and negative outcomes. This study investigates factors associated with pregnancy and outcomes among FSWs in Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in FSWs aged 18 to 49 years. Participants were recruited through voluntary sampling in eight community-based organisations across five towns in Cameroon during July 2023. The three outcomes were pregnancy, UP and poor pregnancy outcome within the last twelve months. A binary logistic regression using SPSS 27 with backward Wald's method and Robust (modified) Poisson Regression was performed to identify factors associated with the outcomes of interest. Results A total of 481 female sex workers (FSWs) with a median age of 24 years were recruited for the study. Among them, 101 (21%) experienced at least one pregnancy during the last twelve months, of which 34 (33.7%) was UP. Among those who reported pregnancy, 53.5% (54/101) had a live birth versus 20.6% (7/34) for those who experienced UP. FSWs aged > = 25 years (Vs < = 24 years) were less likely to experience pregnancy (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.29–0.83) and those who abuse of at least one psychoactive substance (PAS) were more likely to have at least one pregnancy (aOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.002–3.65). UP was lower among those who had another source of income than prostitution (aRR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.15–0.98). The risk of poor pregnancy outcome increases by almost 3 (aRR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.76-4.00) for FSWs who faced UP. Conclusion UP and termination of pregnancy (TOP) are still prevalent among FSWs in Cameroon. Consequently, there is a need for interventions to facilitate the consistent use of contraception, particularly among younger FSWs with a history of previous pregnancies.

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  1. Version published to 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5779160/v1 on Research Square