Self-Efficacy and Depression among Female Sex Workers: Examining the Relationship between Condom Use Confidence and Mental Health in Kuala Lumpur.

This study aimed to examine the self-efficacy of female sex workers (FSWs) regarding condom use in relation to the presence of depressive symptoms. A descriptive quantitative research design was employed, involving a sample of 126 FSWs selected through a combination sampling technique. Data were collected through structured interviews using a standardized questionnaire. The self-efficacy questionnaire for condom use among FSWs was developed based on previous studies, while depressive symptoms were assessed using the Malay version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I) scale. Data were analysed using the Chi-Square test to determine the associations between variables. The findings revealed no statistically significant relationship between FSWs’ knowledge of condom use (χ² = 0.374, p > .05) and their self-efficacy in condom use (χ² = 0.674, p > .05) with the presence of depressive symptoms. These results suggest that other psychosocial and structural factors may play a more dominant role in influencing the mental well-being of FSWs. Therefore, interventions designed to address depression among this population should adopt a more holistic approach rather than focusing solely on reproductive health education.