Reported Profiles of Women Who Have Sex with Women in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Aims: This study explored socio-economic characteristics, sexual and health behaviour of women who have sex with women (WSW) in Tanzania. The study was conducted to increase public and policy-makers awareness about WSW characteristics, findings may be useful in planning essential public health interventions targeting the WSW. Methodology: We involved WSW and community leaders in this study. We used a cross-sectional descriptive formative design and conducted the study in Ilala, Kinondoni and Temeke districts in Dar-es-Salaam Region in Tanzania. We performed data collection through focus group discussion (FGD), in-depth interviews (IDIs), key informant interviews (KIIs) and life stories. We applied inductive thematic analysis where open coding approach was adopted using participants’ language. We employed grounded theory approach in the analysis. Results: WSW in Tanzania belong to various sexual groups including lesbian, transgender, tomboy and bisexual. Although sex between women is practiced by women of all ages, it is most common among young women. It is practiced by married women and women with children and commonly starts during Secondary School. WSW are of varying socio-economic status (education and income) with some WSW facing poorer socio-economic status due to rejection, stigma and discrimination propagated by family and the wider community. WSW engage in risky behaviours, sexual and other health-related behaviours such as promiscuity, transactional sex, alcoholism, smoking, and drug abuse. Conclusion: WSW are of varying socio-economic characteristics, sexual and health behaviours. This may mean unique public health needs for different WSW and thus calling for tailored health education, health promotion, as well as socio-economic interventions to improve health-related behaviours, for better health outcomes of the WSW.