Do self-help groups improve sexual and reproductive health and HIV outcomes among female sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa? A scoping review

IntroductionSelf-help groups (SHGs) have been effective in improving the health and wellbeing of women generally but there is little evidence on whether and how they improve HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes among female sex workers (FSWs), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This scoping review seeks to address this gap by identifying and analysing literature on SHG for FSWs in sub-Saharan Africa. Materials and methodsThis scoping review (1) identified relevant studies; (2) selected the studies; (3) charted the data; and (4) collated, summarised, and reported the results. A search strategy was developed; CINAHL, Medline and Global Health databases were searched. ResultsEleven studies were identified, two were quantitative, seven were qualitative and two were mixed methods. Studies were from seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The studies suggested that SHGs can improve SRH outcomes and reduce HIV vulnerabilities among FSWs by providing emotional and financial support, health education, linkage to care, and social capital (i.e., benefits derived from associations). The studies also highlighted the need for tailored interventions that address the unique needs and challenges faced by FSWs. ConclusionsThe findings of this scoping review underscore the importance of building social cohesion by incorporating SHGs into a range of HIV prevention strategies in sub-Saharan Africa. SHGs have the potential to improve SRH and HIV outcomes among FSWs. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of SHGs in different contexts and to identify best practices for implementing and sustaining SHGs for FSWs.