Kesmas: Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat Nasional (National Public Health Journal)
Vol. 20, No. 4

Challenges and Policies for Female Sex Workers’ Readiness to Participate in Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Program: An Explorative Qualitative Study

Sitorus, Rico Januar (Unknown)
Rahmiwati, Anita (Unknown)
Sartika, Diana Dewi (Unknown)
Sunarsih, Elvi (Unknown)
Maharani, Asri (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Nov 2025

Abstract

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus is high among female sex workers (FSWs) in Indonesia, underscoring the need for integrated prevention strategies supported by strong government policies. This study aimed to investigate FSWs' willingness to participate in a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with 20 participants residing in Pangkal Pinang City, Indonesia (4 stakeholders and 16 FSWs), recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected from July to September 2024. This non-probability sampling method was adopted due to the focus on specific study objectives and a targeted population. The analysis of the interviews revealed three theme clusters comprising eight themes. The identified clusters were government policy, knowledge of effectiveness and willingness to follow PrEP, and readiness for side effects and long-term compliance. Improving health services in areas where FSWs are concentrated is crucial for facilitating easier access with lower transportation costs. Furthermore, supporting the privacy of FSWs is crucial, and the cost of health screening before PrEP initiation should be waived to eliminate financial barriers and encourage participation in the PrEP program.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

publication:kesmas

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Public Health

Description

The focus of Kesmas is on public health as discipline and practices related to preventive and promotive measures to enhance the public health through a scientific approach applying a variety of technique. This focus includes areas and scopes such as Biostatistics, Environmental Public Health, ...