OBJECTIVE:
To
explore risk factors associated with induced abortion among sexually active
female entertainment workers (FEWs) in Cambodia.
PARTICIPANTS:
This
study included 556 FEWs aged 18-47 years randomly selected from entertainment
establishments in the two cities in 2014 using a two-stage cluster sampling
method. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured
questionnaire.
RESULTS:
Of the
total sample, 45.6% reported currently using a contraceptive method with condom
(42.4%) being the most common method, followed by pills (25.6%). One-fourth
(25%) of the respondents reported having been pregnant at least once, and 21.4%
reported having at least one induced abortion during the time working as a FEW.
After controlling for other covariates in a multivariate logistic regression
model, FEWs with a history of induced abortion remained significantly more
likely to be currently working in a karaoke bar, to have worked longer as a FEW, to have
had a greater number of sexual partners in the past 12 months, to be currently using a contraceptive method, to be able to find condoms when they needed them, and to report inconsistent condom use with non-commercial
partners in the past 3 months.
CONCLUSIONS:
This
study highlights the high rates of unwanted pregnancies that ended in induced
abortions among FEWs in Cambodia. Access of FEWs to quality sexual and
reproductive healthcare services is deemed a high priority. Integrated
interventions to improve sexual and reproductive health among these vulnerable
women should be tailored to reach the most-at-risk groups.
1Research Center, KHANA, Phnom Penh,
Cambodia
2Center for Global Health Research, Public
Health Program, Touro University California, Vallejo, California, USA
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