A Scoping review of communication strategies and interventions to deliver sexual and reproductive health information among female sex workers.

BACKGROUND

Female sex workers face a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, therefore, they require access to reproductive health information. This is the first scoping literature review on communication strategies for delivering sexual and reproductive health information and services to improve health outcomes for female sex workers. The strategies analyzed consisted of information and communication technology, mobile health, community mobilization, and community engagement.

METHODS

Searches were conducted in June of 2023 from the following databases: PubMed, OVID, and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria included a focus on female sex workers, sexual and reproductive health outcomes, peer-reviewed articles including experimental and observational studies, and published in English between January 2018 and June 2023. The initial search identified 333 papers of which 21 met the eligibility criteria. A data extract table was used to obtain key information from the articles which were synthesized into themes.

RESULTS

Mobile health (mhealth), particularly short messaging service (SMS), can enhance public health programming but must be implemented carefully to avoid reinforcing existing socioeconomic and cultural barriers. Community engagement, empowerment, and support-through participatory design, peer education, and leadership-are essential for effective program development. Communication strategies, including interpersonal exchanges, community involvement, and information and communications technologies (ICT) use, are key to holistic public health efforts.

CONCLUSION

Further research can expand upon these findings by encompassing different sexual and reproductive outcomes and investigating possible risks associated with communication using ICTs.