Embarazo en mujeres en situación de prostitución: autocuidado y prácticas de riesgo. Estudio cualitativo. bogotá, Colombia 2006

Objectives: this research was aimed at learning about self-care practices in pregnant women working as prostitutes in the high impact Mártires and Santa Fe neighbourhoods of Bogotá, as well as the conditions of their current pregnancies and possible practices putting them at risk. Methods: a qualitative gender-based approach was adopted with 12 women who were recruited from July 24th to October 31st 2006 to ascertain conditions regarding their pregnancy, risks factors and self-care practices. The information was gathered by in-depth interviews following the women's verbal and written approval; such interviews were recorded and later transcribed. Atlas Ti 5.0 software was used for analysing the data. Results: risks associated with unsafe sex and unwanted pregnancies were identified. Condom use with clients was the only self-care practice found; such practice did not extend to being used with their couples. The women reported decreased sexual activity and changes in some sexual practices. They also reported decreased alcohol, tobacco and psychoactive substance use. Seven of the twelve women did not use contraception. Two women attributed their pregnancies to condom failure. Conclusions: instead of considering their activity as a risk for their pregnancies, the women regarded becoming pregnant as putting their work at risk.We found many risk factors for maternal health in this group which is why we recommend focusing their education on issues such as contraception, self-care practices and female empowerment.