Exploring sexual relationship power and safe sex practices among female bar workers in kinondoni municipality, Dar es Salaam region

HIV and AIDS continue to challenge the health and economies in low and middle-income countries; effectiveness of condoms in preventing transmission of HIV is in jeopardized state following recent reported declines in condom use. Alcohol serving venues are meeting points for sex partners a significant determinant of risk sexual practices while gender inequities impose challenges to women in negotiating safe sex. This study adopted components of the sexual relationship power scale (SRPS) in a qualitative manner to explore and describe sexual relationship power of female bar workers (FBW) in safe negations as they interact in alcohol serving venues in kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam. An exploratory study was conducted deploying a qualitative approach. Purposive sampling was used to assess and approach possible study participants thereafter 14 FBW were successful approached and interviewed. In-Depth Interviews were conducted to gather information on FBW perceptions and experiences in sexual relationships that are initiated following their interaction with male customers in alcohol serving settings and their negotiation for safe sex. The study findings revealed that negotiation ability and sexual relationship power continue to be a key determinant of safe or unsafe sexual practices in sexual relationships of FBW. Although power to negotiate and make decisions towards safe sex is widely reported by FBW when they engage in casual sexual relationships, such power is outweighed by their own willingness to engage in multiple sexual relationships as a result of the insufficient incomes earned through working in alcohol serving establishments. Health promotion should continue to focus on behavior change interventions while considering gendered roles in sexual relationships. And further research should be conducted with both partners in sexual relationships to understand safe sex practices in a wider context sexual relationship dynamic.