FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE DIFFICULTIES OF NEGOTIATING CONDOM USE WITH A STATED PARTNER BY FEMALE SEX WORKERS

Abstract

Through semi-structured interviews, we investigated factors involved in the difficulties of negotiating condom use with a regular partner among female sex workers in Manacapuru, Amazonas. This research addressed this issue because previous studies have shown that these women are able to negotiate condom use with clients, but that in relationships involving affection, raising awareness about prevention alone was not enough to promote behavioral changes and encourage them to practice safe sex. Therefore, we questioned the intervention techniques and strategies used to promote STI prevention and the most effective mechanisms for encouraging safe sex. This study allowed for reflection and discussion of prevention practices and new intervention strategies for the Princesinha Project (STI/AIDS Prevention Project for Female Sex Workers in Manacapuru), especially with a view to increasing condom use with a regular partner. These were described as: socioeconomic, cultural, social, psychological and gender and how they act in negotiation strategies and difficulties. For Clinical Psychology, the relevance was in understanding what are the intrinsic, emotional determinants that are present in the negotiation of condom use, understanding that the subject's idiosyncrasies go through this moment and sometimes define the decision-making on whether or not to use it. How these interact in social relationships, especially in couples' relationships, was also analyzed.