Assessment of HIV Prevention Programme Effectiveness Among Female Sex Workers in Port Harcourt

Female sex workers represent a key population with disproportionate HIV vulnerability, and the effectiveness of targeted HIV prevention programmes for this group in oil-city environments such as Port Harcourt requires systematic assessment. This study assessed the effectiveness of HIV prevention programme interventions among female sex workers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South South Nigeria. A programme evaluation design was employed, combining a cross-sectional survey of 180 FSWs reached through programme activities in the preceding 12 months with programme document analysis and key informant interviews with eight programme managers. A structured questionnaire assessed condom use consistency, HIV testing uptake, access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), knowledge of HIV prevention, and perceived programme quality. HIV testing records and programme reach data were obtained from programme databases. Results showed that consistent condom use in the preceding month was reported by 62.8 percent of respondents. HIV testing in the preceding six months was documented for 74.4 percent of reached FSWs. PrEP uptake was 28.3 percent. Knowledge of HIV prevention was adequate in 77.8 percent. Programme accessibility and peer educator trustworthiness were the highest-rated programme quality dimensions. Key barriers included stigma during healthcare interactions (58.9 percent) and programme reach limitations in informal settlement areas. The evaluation recommends expanding geographic reach to unserved communities, strengthening PrEP uptake counselling, and ensuring non-discriminatory healthcare services for FSWs in Port Harcourt.

Keywords: HIV prevention, female sex workers, programme evaluation, Port Harcourt, South South Nigeria