Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking pattern among brothel-based female sex workers in two local government areas in Lagos state, Nigeria.

Background: Alcohol and tobacco use are known risk factors for non communicable diseases especially among women. Brothel based female sex workers may be at increased risk of exposure to these two substances.

Objective: To assess the pattern of alcohol and tobacco use among female sex workers in two selected local government areas in Lagos state, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 323 brothel-based female sex workers in 39 consenting brothels. Data was collected by trained interviewers using a pretested structured questionnaire.

Results: Majority (67.8%) were current drinkers with 89.5% of these having their most recent drink less than a week ago. Most of them (89%) consumed more than the reference limits for alcohol use among women. Up to 20.7% were current smokers with (92.5%) having their most recent cigarette less than a week ago. More than a third (37.4%) were heavy smokers while 19% were dual users. Current drinking was associated with current smoking. Smokers consumed significantly more units of alcohol than non-smokers.

Conclusion: The prevalence of harmful alcohol use and cigarette smoking are very high among this group of female sex workers. Programs that address the use of these substances should be made available for these women.