A5012127021- Sex work and related issues
- HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk
- Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
- HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
- Homelessness and Social Issues
- Family Support in Illness
- Digital Economy and Work Transformation
- Gender Roles and Identity Studies
- Cancer survivorship and care
- Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare
- Gender, Feminism, and Media
- Intimate Partner and Family Violence
- COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts
- Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues
- Child Abuse and Trauma
Partners for Health and Development in Africa
2021-2024
University of Manitoba
2023
University of Nairobi
2022
Kenyatta University
2021-2022
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
2022
In Kenya sex work is illegal and those engaged in the trade are stigmatized marginalized. We explored how female workers Nairobi, Kenya, utilize different resources to navigate negative consequences of they do.Qualitative data were collected October 2019 from 40 FSWs who randomly sampled 1003 women enrolled Maisha Fiti study, a 3-year longitudinal mixed-methods study exploring relationship between HIV risk violence mental health. All interviews audio-recorded, transcribed translated. Data...
Abstract Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), poverty, violence and harmful alcohol/substance use are associated with poor mental health outcomes, but few studies have examined these risks among Female Sex Workers (FSWs). We examine the prevalence correlates of common problems including suicidal thoughts behaviours FSWs in Kenya. Methods Maisha Fiti is a longitudinal study randomly selected from Worker Outreach Programme (SWOP) clinics across Nairobi. Baseline...
Background: Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are at high risk of harmful alcohol and other drug use. We use quantitative data to describe the prevalence identify associated occupational socio-economic factors, aim elucidate patterns through information drawn from qualitative data. Methods: Maisha Fiti was a mixed-method longitudinal study conducted in 2019 among random sample FSWs Nairobi, Kenya. used baseline date behavioural–biological survey, which included WHO Alcohol, Smoking Substance...
Abstract Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at reducing HIV acquisition. We aimed to estimate usage of oral-PrEP, and factors associated with adherence among female sex workers (FSWs) in Nairobi, Kenya, using a novel point-of-care urine tenofovir lateral flow assay (LFA). The Maisha Fiti study randomly selected FSWs from Sex Worker Outreach Program clinics Nairobi. Data were collected 1003 June-October 2019, including surveys on self-reported oral-PrEP adherence. Adherence...
We examined violence experiences among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in Nairobi, Kenya, and how these relate to HIV risk using a life course perspective. Baseline behavioural-biological surveys were conducted with 1003 FSWs June-December 2019. Multivariable logistic regression models used estimate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations of factors reported experience physical or sexual past 6 months. found substantial overlap between childhood, recent...
High HIV prevalence among female sex workers (FSWs) is heavily influenced by structural determinants (e.g. criminalisation of work; violence) and significant life events orphanhood, teenage pregnancy). This study aims to understand the epidemiology FSWs in Nairobi, Kenya using a life-course perspective. Baseline cross-sectional survey data were collected June–December 2019 for Maisha Fiti with 1003 (aged 18–45 years). Odds ratios 95% confidence intervals estimated multivariable logistic...
Collecting data to understand violence against women and children during after the COVID-19 pandemic is essential inform prevention response efforts. Although researchers across fields have pivoted remote rather than in-person collection, research on women, young people poses particular challenges. As a group of researchers, we reflect our experiences eight studies in six countries that redesigned include collection methods. We found following areas were crucial fulfilling commitments...
To explore the structural and social co-factors that shape early lives of women who enter sex work in Nairobi, Kenya. Thematic analysis qualitative data collected as part Maisha Fiti study among female workers (FSWs) Nairobi. FSWs aged 18-45 years were randomly selected from seven Sex Workers Outreach Programme clinics Nairobi participated baseline behavioural-biological surveys. Participants this cohort interviewed between October 2019 July 2020. Women described their childhood, covering...
Violence, alcohol use, substance use and poor mental health have been linked with increased HIV acquisition risk, genital inflammation enhances susceptibility. We examined whether past 6 month experience of these exposures was associated inflammation, thereby providing a biological link between risk. The Maisha Fiti study longitudinal mixed-methods female sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya. Behavioural-biological surveys were conducted at baseline (June-December 2019) endline (June 2020-March...
Female sex workers (FSWs) are at high risk of mental health problems and suicide risk. Few longitudinal studies have examined factors for poor among FSWs. Maisha Fiti is a study FSWs randomly selected from Sex Worker Outreach Programme clinics across Nairobi. Behavioural-biological survey data were collected baseline (n = 1003, June-December 2019), midline 366) (Jan-March 2020) endline 877) (June 2020-Jan 2021). Women reporting offered counselling services. Multivariable mixed logistic...
Conducting violence and mental health research during the COVID-19 pandemic with vulnerable groups such as female sex workers (FSWs) required care to ensure that participants team were not harmed. Potential risks harm avoidance needed be considered well ensuring data reliability. In March 2020, restrictions imposed in Kenya follow-up collection for Maisha Fiti study (n = 1003); hence was paused. June clinic re-opened after consultations experts FSW community. Between 2020 January 2021,...
Objective To explore factors associated with early age at entry into sex work, among a cohort of female workers (FSWs) in Nairobi, Kenya. Background Younger work initiation increases the risk HIV acquisition, condom non-use, violence victimisation and alcohol and/or substance use problems. This study aimed to understand childhood adolescence that shape vulnerability underage initiation. Design Building on previous qualitative research this cohort, analysis behavioural–biological...
Objectives The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of, and associations, with HIV metrics of care engagement in a representative population gay, bisexual other men who have sex (GBMSM) transgender persons (TP) (GBMSM/TP) Setting Urban districts Nairobi, Kenya. Design Cross-sectional. Participants 608 eligible participants were identified through respondent-driven sampling over 19 waves recruitment arising from ten seeds between May December 2017. Inclusion criteria were: age >18 years;...
Women selling sex o-en face challenges of raising their children as well significant socioeconomic difficul3es and social s3gma inherent in work.This paper is based on a cross-sec3onal qualita3ve study that explored the dual roles motherhood work among female workers enrolled for ongoing HIV preven3on treatment services Sex Workers Outreach Programme (SWOP) clinics Nairobi, Kenya.We examined women's experiences coping nego3a3ng managing work.In-depth interviews were conducted with 39 women...
Violence, poor mental health, and harmful substance use are commonly experienced by female sex workers (FSWs) in sub-Saharan Africa, all of which associated with increased HIV susceptibility. We aimed to investigate the associations between violence, health alcohol/substance hair cortisol concentration (HCC) levels as a potential biological pathway linking experiences these stressors vulnerability. used baseline data Maisha Fiti study FSWs Nairobi, Kenya. Participants reported recent use....
Aims Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), poverty, violence and harmful alcohol/substance are associated with poor mental health outcomes in the general population. These risks likely to be exacerbated among Female Sex Workers (FSWs), however there few studies examining factors for problems FSWs. We examine prevalence correlates of common including suicidal behaviour FSWs Kenya. Method Maisha Fiti is a longitudinal study randomly selected from Worker Outreach Programme (SWOP) clinics across...
The number of cancer survivors is growing continuously due to advances in treatment patients. In developed countries, numerous studies on quality life (QoL) have been conducted. Little known regarding the QoL Kenya. Therefore, aim this study was explore factors that contribute Kenya.A descriptive cross-sectional design used for study. Participants were 108 adult survivors. Self and interviewer administered Patient/Cancer Survivor Questionnaire used.Findings indicate a statistically...
Abstract Background Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with (GBMSM) transgender persons (TP) bear high burdens of HIV sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in sub-Saharan Africa, yet evidence care coverage for these groups is sparse from the region despite prevailing stigma discrimination towards groups. Methods 618 GBMSM/TP were recruited Nairobi between May to December 2017 using respondent-driven sampling. Participants reported recent sexual behaviour, testing receipt, symptoms...
Background: Although the COVID-19 measures were aimed at public good, they resulted in massive economic disruptions. We explored female sex workers’ (FSWs) experiences and self-care efforts following deployment of containment Nairobi, Kenya.Methods: Forty-seven women drawn from 1003 FSWs enrolled Maisha Fiti Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Study participated. An in-depth interview tool was used to capture women’s coping strategies with pandemic after Kenya government imposed that affected work,...
At the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya Ministry Health instituted movement cessation measures and limits on face-to-face meetings. We explore ways in which female sex workers (FSWs) Nairobi were affected by control they coped with hardships. Forty-seven women randomly sampled from Maisha Fiti study, a longitudinal study 1003 FSWs accessing sexual reproductive health services for an in-depth qualitative interview 4–5 months into pandemic. sought to understand effects their lives. Data...
Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular disease and accounts for 1 in 6 deaths. In Kenya, It 7% all death. One major concerns determination patients’ quality life their social wellbeing. response to diagnosis treatment dependent on both professional support they receive. Lack has been linked with increase depression, anxiety lack coping resulting decreased emotional wellbeing as well poor life. Therefore, aim study was determine impact cancer...