Prevention of unintended pregnancy among female sex workers in low- and middle-income countries

Female sex workers in low- and middle-income countries are at high risk of unintended pregnancy, but few programs address this issue. In addition, female sex workers rely heavily on mobile phones, making this a feasible way to reach them with health information. An SMS program called WHISPER was developed with female sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya, to promote contraceptive use, and related health behaviours. WHISPER was tested in a trial in Mombasa, and found to improve some aspects of contraceptive knowledge and behaviour, but not unintended pregnancy rates. This research has implications for future health initiatives for female sex workers.