Group sex events among female sex workers in Melbourne, Australia

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 534
Author(s):  
Evelyn M. Turek ◽  
Christopher K. Fairley ◽  
Marjan Tabesh ◽  
Tiffany R. Phillips ◽  
Eric P. F. Chow
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
The Past ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Group Sex

Background Group sex is associated with increased risk of HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STIs), but there is limited data on group sex among female sex workers (FSW). Understanding current group sex practices among FSW may assist with understanding and addressing the rise in STIs observed among Australian FSW in the 2010s. The aim of this study was to examine the proportion of FSWs who had engaged in group sex. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among FSWs attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia, between March and April 2019. Females aged ≥18 years who self-reported as a sex worker were invited to participate in the survey asking whether they had had group sex in the past 3 months. Group sex was defined as sex that involved two or more sexual partners. Results: Of the 51 FSWs who completed the survey, the median age was 29 years (IQR 24–34). Almost half (49%; n = 25) reported having group sex in the past 3 months, with a median number of group sex events of two (IQR 1–4). Australian-born FSW were more likely to report group sex than overseas-born FSW (76% vs 42%; P = 0.02). Age, number of paid clients and injecting drug use were not associated with group sex. Conclusion: The present study findings show that group sex is common among FSW and should be included in peer sexual health education and interventions among FSW.

Oro-anal sexual practice among female sex workers in Melbourne: implication for extragenital gonorrhoea and chlamydia transmission

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric P. F. Chow ◽  
Christopher K. Fairley
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sex Worker ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Male Clients ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections

Background The prevalence of sexually transmissible infections has been low among female sex workers (FSWs) in Melbourne, Australia. However, the prevalence of gonorrhoea and chlamydia, especially at extragenital sites, has increased since the mid-2010s. Oro-anal sex (i.e. rimming) has been identified as a risk factor for extragenital gonorrhoea and chlamydia. However, rimming has rarely been studied among the FSW population. The aim of this study was to examine the proportion of FSWs who had had rimming with their male clients. Methods: A cross-sectional survey among FSWs attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in Australia in March 2018 was conducted. All females aged ≥18 years and self-reported as a sex worker were eligible. The survey included questions related to the number of insertive and receptive rimming partners with their male clients in an average working week. Results: Forty-five FSWs completed the survey; five (11.1%; 95% CI: 3.7–24.1%) FSWs had had insertive rimming and 19 (42.2%; 95% CI: 27.7–57.8%) had had receptive rimming with their male clients in an average working week. The median number of insertive rimming partners was two (interquartile range (IQR) 1–5) and the median number of receptive rimming partners was one (IQR 1–3). Conclusion: Insertive rimming is more commonly practiced than receptive rimming among FSWs with their male clients in an average working week.

The prevalence of sexually transmissible infections among female sex workers from countries with low and high prevalences in Melbourne

Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiping Tang ◽  
Jane S. Hocking ◽  
Glenda Fehler ◽  
Hennriette Williams ◽  
Marcus Y. Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Retrospective Data Analysis ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Centre Database ◽  
Low Prevalence

Objectives To assess the proportion of female sex workers (FSWs) from low-prevalence (‘other’) and high-prevalence countries (HPCs) for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in Melbourne. Methods: Retrospective data analysis from the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre database for February 2002–May 2011. Results: Some 1702 HPC FSWs, 2594 other FSWs and 13 644 nonFSW women were included, with 12 891 and 21 611 consultations, respectively, for HPC FSWs and other FSWs. Proportions of HPC FSWs with chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) (4.2% v. 3.3%, P = 0.14), gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) (0.24% v. 0.31%, P = 0.66) or trichomonas (0.65 v. 0.46, P = 0.42) at first visit were similar to those of other FSWs, but nonFSWs had a higher prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea (P < 0.01). On return visits, chlamydia (1.2% v. 0.92%, P < 0.05) and gonorrhoea (0.29% v. 0.10%, P = <0.05) were more common in HPC FSWs than other FSWs. The presence of any of these STIs among FSWs was predicted by having private nonpaying partners in the last year (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.99 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.52–2.61)), having private partners from overseas (AOR: 1.69 (95% CI: 1.33–2.16)) and being a HPC FSW (AOR: 1.38 (95% CI: 1.12–1.72)). Injecting drug use was less common in HPC FSWs than in other FSWs (0.82% v. 16.54%, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: STI prevalence was low among FSWs from countries with high and low background STI. Among FSWs having private sex partners and private partners from overseas were the primary predictors for STIs.

Prevalence of genital and oropharyngeal chlamydia and gonorrhoea among female sex workers in Melbourne, Australia, 2015–2017: need for oropharyngeal testing

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 398-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric PF Chow ◽  
Deborah A Williamson ◽  
Ria Fortune ◽  
Catriona S Bradshaw ◽  
Marcus Y Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sex Work ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Genital Infection ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Oropharyngeal Infection ◽  
Over Time

ObjectiveThe Victorian legislation requires sex workers to have quarterly screening for genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea, but screening for oropharyngeal infection is not mandatory in Victoria, Australia. In 2017, oropharyngeal screening for gonorrhoea and chlamydia was added as part of the routine quarterly screening for sex workers attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC). The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea and chlamydia among female sex workers (FSW).MethodsWe included females who (1) self-identified as sex workers or were attended MSHC for a sex work certificate and (2) had tested for any STI or HIV, between March 2015 and December 2017. The prevalence of HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea was calculated.ResultsThere were 8538 FSW consultations among 2780 individuals during the study period. There was a twofold increase in genital gonorrhoea (from 0.5% (95% CI 0.3% to 0.9%) to 1.1% (95% CI 0.8% to 1.5%); ptrend=0.047) and a 1.5-fold increase in genital chlamydia (from 2.2% (95% CI 1.6% to 2.8%) to 3.2% (95% CI 2.6% to 3.8%); ptrend=0.031) during the period. Overall, the prevalence of HIV (0.2% (95% CI 0.1% to 0.3%)) and syphilis (0.1% (95% CI 0.0% to 0.2%)) remained low and did not change over time. In 2017, the prevalence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea was 2.0% (95% CI 1.6% to 2.6%) and oropharyngeal chlamydia was 2.1% (95% CI 1.6% to 2.7%). Among FSW who were tested positive for gonorrhoea and chlamydia, 55% (n=41) and 34% (n=45) only tested positive in the oropharynx but not genital for gonorrhoea and chlamydia, respectively.ConclusionThe prevalence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea and chlamydia is similar to the prevalence at genital sites and is often independent of genital infection. It is important to test the oropharynx and genital site for chlamydia and gonorrhoea among FSW.

Constituting the Unsafe: Nigerian Sex Workers' Notions of Unsafe Sexual Conduct

2007 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 29-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chimaraoke O. Izugbara
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
The Face ◽  
Sexual Conduct

Abstract:This article reports findings of a qualitative inquiry on representations of unsafe sexual conduct among female sex workers in Aba, Nigeria. Participating sex workers viewed their work as a form of business, a survival imperative in the face of poverty, and they generally considered it both risky and disgraceful. However, they frequently framed unsafe sexual behavior in terms of poorly remunerated unprotected sex with clients. Sex workers in the study were not only generally willing to grant, but also confirmed regularly granting, unprotected sex to clients offering to pay a premium for it. Receiving “good money” for unprotected sex made higher degrees of risk acceptable to these women and was considered an effective way to avoid clients assumed to be carriers of infections. In their struggle for sexual health, sex workers in Nigeria are hindered by poverty, powerlessness, and marginality. Future programs must aim, inter alia, at supporting sex workers' willingness to insist on condoms no matter what clients offer them to do otherwise.

scholarly journals Lifetime and past-month substance use and injection among street-based female sex workers in Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Payam Roshanfekr ◽  
Mehrdad Khezri ◽  
Salah Eddin Karimi ◽  
Meroe Vameghi ◽  
Delaram Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Injection Drug Use ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Injection Drug ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
History Of ◽  
Group Sex

Abstract Background Street-based female sex workers (FSWs) are highly at risk of HIV and other harms associated with sex work. We assessed the prevalence of non-injection and injection drug use and their associated factors among street-based FSWs in Iran. Methods We recruited 898 FSWs from 414 venues across 19 major cities in Iran between October 2016 and March 2017. Correlates of lifetime and past-month non-injection and injection drug use were assessed through multivariable logistic regression models. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results Lifetime and past-month non-injection drug use were reported by 60.3% (95% CI 51, 84) and 47.2% (95% CI 38, 67) of FSWs, respectively. The prevalence of lifetime and past-month injection drug use were 8.6% (95% CI 6.9, 10.7) and 3.7% (95% CI 2.6, 5.2), respectively. Recent non-injection drug use was associated with divorced marital status (AOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.07, 3.74), temporary marriage (AOR 4.31 [1.79, 10.40]), had > 30 clients per month (AOR 2.76 [1.29, 5.90]), ever alcohol use (AOR 3.03 [1.92, 6.79]), and history of incarceration (AOR 7.65 [3.89, 15.30]). Similarly, lifetime injection drug use was associated with ever alcohol use (AOR 2.74 [1.20–6.20]), ever incarceration (AOR 5.06 [2.48–10.28]), and ever group sex (AOR 2.44 [1.21–4.92]). Conclusions Non-injection and injection drug use are prevalent among street-based FSWs in Iran. Further prevention programs are needed to address and reduce harms associated with drug use among this vulnerable population in Iran.

Linked factors to access to sexual health checkups of female sex workers in the metropolitan region of Chile

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-363
Author(s):  
Julieta Belmar Prieto ◽  
Valeria Stuardo Ávila ◽  
Cinta Folch ◽  
Alexandra Montoliu ◽  
Jordi Casabona
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
Female Sex

scholarly journals FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LIKELIHOOD OF FURTHER MOVEMENT AMONG MOBILE FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN INDIA: A MULTINOMIAL LOGIT APPROACH

2015 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dipak Suryawanshi ◽  
Varun Sharma ◽  
Niranjan Saggurti ◽  
Shalini Bharat
Keyword(s):  
Sex Work ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Sexual Coercion ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Multinomial Logit ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Female Sex

SummaryFemale sex workers (FSWs) are vulnerable to HIV infection. Their socioeconomic and behavioural vulnerabilities are crucial push factors for movement for sex work. This paper assesses the factors associated with the likelihood of movement of sex workers from their current place of work. Data were derived from a cross-sectional survey conducted among 5498 mobile FSWs in 22 districts of high in-migration across four states in southern India. A multinomial logit model was constructed to predict the likelihood of FSWs moving from their current place of work. Ten per cent of the sampled mobile FSWs were planning to move from their current place of sex work. Educational attainment, marital status, income at current place of work, debt, sexual coercion, experience of violence and having tested for HIV and collected the results were found to be significant predictors of the likelihood of movement from the current place of work. Consistent condom use with different clients was significantly low among those planning to move. Likewise, the likelihood of movement was significantly higher among those who had any STI symptom in the last six months and those who had a high self-perceived risk of HIV. The findings highlight the need to address factors associated with movement among mobile FSWs as part of HIV prevention and access to care interventions.

scholarly journals Examining negative effects of early life experiences on reproductive and sexual health among female sex workers in Tijuana, Mexico

2014 ◽  
Vol 128 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karishma K. Oza ◽  
Jay G. Silverman ◽  
Ietza Bojorquez ◽  
Steffanie A. Strathdee ◽  
Shira M. Goldenberg
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Reproductive And Sexual Health

scholarly journals 0872 Correlates Of Restless Sleep Among Female Sex Workers In Baltimore, MD

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A332-A333
Author(s):  
G J Urquhart ◽  
A P Spira ◽  
J N Park ◽  
S G Sherman
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Structural Vulnerability ◽  
The Past ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
High Prevalence

Abstract Introduction Sleep quality is understudied among street-based female sex workers (FSW), a population characterized by high rates of structural vulnerability. FSW may be at higher risk for poor sleep due to food and housing insecurity, violence, substance use and irregular work hours. We studied correlates of restless sleep in an urban, street-based risk environment. Methods Data are from a year-long observational prospective cohort study of street-based FSW (n=250) in Baltimore, MD. Baseline survey data, collected April 2016 to February 2017, included topics such as structural vulnerability, mental and physical health, substance use and lifetime violence. Sleep was measured with item 7 on the CES-D-10 Scale; respondents indicated how many days in the past week their sleep was restless (&lt; 1 day, 1-2 days, 3-4 days, 5-7 days). We conducted bivariate and multivariable logistic analysis to identify correlates of experiencing 5-7 days of restless sleep vs. fewer. Results Median age was 35 years. Most (66%) were Non-Hispanic White, 62% were homeless, 61% reported food insecurity, and 65% injected heroin. We documented a high prevalence of trauma; 81% reported lifetime sexual or physical violence by family members, intimate partners, paying clients, or police officers, and 62% screened positive for PTSD on the PCL-5 Checklist. 54% reported 5-7 days of restless sleep in the past week. Independent associations with frequent restless sleep included older age (age 35+ aOR: 2.67 [1.64-4.36]), food insecurity (aOR: 2.02 [1.42-2.88]), self-reported poor health (aOR: 3.98 [1.99-7.96]), and lifetime violence: a greater number of violent experiences corresponded with higher odds of restless sleep (1-2 vs. 0 experiences aOR: 2.38 [1.43-3.99], 3-4 vs. 0 experiences aOR: 3.67 [2.22-6.05]). Conclusion These data demonstrate high prevalence of restless sleep among street-based FSW with higher risk among those who experience intersecting vulnerabilities and multiple exposures to violence. Trauma-informed structural interventions may improve sleep quality among this population. Support This work was supported by the National Institute of Drug Research (R01DA038499-01).

scholarly journals Violence experience by perpetrator and associations with HIV/STI risk and infection: a cross-sectional study among female sex workers in Karnataka, south India

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e021389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicja Beksinska ◽  
Ravi Prakash ◽  
Shajy Isac ◽  
H L Mohan ◽  
Lucy Platt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
South India ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
The Past ◽  
Female Sex

ObjectivesFemale sex workers (FSWs) experience violence from a range of perpetrators, but little is known about how violence experience across multiple settings (workplace, community, domestic) impacts on HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk. We examined whether HIV/STI risk differs by the perpetrator of violence.MethodsAn Integrated Biological and Behavioural Assessment survey was conducted among random samples of FSWs in two districts (Bangalore and Shimoga) in Karnataka state, south India, in 2011. Physical and sexual violence in the past six months, by workplace (client, police, coworker, pimp) or community (stranger, rowdy, neighbour, auto-driver) perpetrators was assessed, as was physical and sexual intimate partner violence in the past 12 months. Weighted, bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine associations between violence by perpetrator and HIV/STI risk.Results1111 FSWs were included (Bangalore=718, Shimoga=393). Overall, 34.9% reported recent physical and/or sexual violence. Violence was experienced from domestic (27.1%), workplace (11.1%) and community (4.2%) perpetrators, with 6.2% of participants reporting recent violence from both domestic and non-domestic (workplace/community) perpetrators. Adjusted analysis suggests that experience of violence by workplace/community perpetrators is more important in increasing HIV/STI risk during sex work (lower condom use with clients; client or FSW under the influence of alcohol at last sex) than domestic violence. However, women who reported recent violence by domestic and workplace/community perpetrators had the highest odds of high-titre syphilis infection, recent STI symptoms and condom breakage at last sex, and the lowest odds of condom use at last sex with regular clients compared with women who reported violence by domestic or workplace/community perpetrators only.ConclusionHIV/STI risk differs by the perpetrator of violence and is highest among FSWs experiencing violence in the workplace/community and at home. Effective HIV/STI prevention programmes with FSWs need to include violence interventions that address violence across both their personal and working lives.

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