Table 2

Sexual and reproductive health of FEWs with and without a history of induced abortion

TotalNo history of induced abortion (n=437)History of induced abortion (n=119)p Value*
Mean age at first sexual intercourse19.6 (3.0)19.6±2.819.5±3.60.59
Mean number of sexual partners (past 12 months)2.8 (6.5)2.1±4.45.4±11.1<0.001
Had sexual intercourse with non-commercial partners (past 3 months)205 (37.0)152 (35.0)53 (44.5)0.04
Always used condom with non-commercial partners (past 3 months)64 (31.4)52 (34.4)12 (22.6)0.04
Had sexual intercourse with commercial partners (past 3 months)124 (22.5)89 (20.6)35 (29.7)0.04
Mean number of commercial partners (past 3 months)1.1 (1.7)0.9±1.51.5±2.10.08
Always used condom with commercial partners (past 3 months)100 (78.7)73 (78.5)27 (79.4)0.91
Having clients who requested not to use a condom (past 3 months)21 (16.7)11 (12.2)10 (27.8)0.03
Able to find a condom when it is needed (past 3 months)426 (76.8)321 (73.6)104 (88.1)0.002
Currently using a contraceptive method252 (45.6)186 (42.9)66 (55.5)0.04
Type of contraceptive method being used0.41
 Pills64 (25.6)46 (24.5)18 (27.7)
 Condom106 (42.4)82 (44.3)24 (36.9)
 Injection22 (8.8)17 (9.2)5 (7.7)
 Other (IUD, implant, natural ways)59 (23.2)40 (21.6)18 (27.7)
Having been pregnant in their lifetime402 (72.3)283 (64.8)119 (100.0)
Mean age at first pregnancy (n=402)21.3±3.321.2±3.221.3±3.50.64
Having been pregnant during the time working as a FEW (n=402)136 (33.8)19 (6.7)117 (98.3)<0.001
  • Values are number (%) for categorical variables and mean±SD for continuous variables.

  • 2 test or Fisher's exact test was used as appropriate for categorical variables, and t test was used for continuous variables.

  • FEWs, female entertainment workers; IUD, intrauterine devices.