The Prevalence and Correlates of Physical and Sexual Violence Affecting Female Sex Workers in Swaziland

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (17) ◽  
pp. 2745-2766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blair O. Berger ◽  
Ashley Grosso ◽  
Darrin Adams ◽  
Sosthenes Ketende ◽  
Bhekie Sithole ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Selling Sex

Female sex workers (FSW) have a heightened vulnerability to violence and negative sexual/reproductive health outcomes. Limited research has examined how experiencing physical and sexual violence (PSV) mediates risk for poor health outcomes among FSW in Swaziland. The present analyses aim to contribute to literature linking violence with poor health outcomes, high-risk behaviors, and reduced health service-seeking among FSW. Data were analyzed from a cross-sectional study conducted in Swaziland between July and September 2011 with 325 adult women who reported exchanging sex for money, goods, or favors in the last 12 months, recruited through respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between PSV and ancillary violence/abuse exposures, risk behaviors, and sexual/reproductive and mental health outcomes. PSV was conceptualized as either ever having been beaten up as a result of selling sex or ever being forced to have sex since the age of 18, or both. Prevalence of PSV in this sample was 59.0% in crude estimation, and 48.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]:[39.2,57.6]) with RDS weighting. Separate RDS-weighted estimates of being beaten up as a result of sex work and ever being forced to have sex were 32.4% (95%CI=[24.4,40.4]) and 33.1% (95%CI =[25.0,41.2%]), respectively. Experiencing PSV was associated with being blackmailed (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]= 1.93, 95%CI= [1.07,3.52]), non-injection drug use in the last 12 months (aOR= 1.84, 95%CI= [1.02,3.33]), and feeling afraid to seek health services as a result of selling sex (aOR = 1.74, 95%CI= [1.01,2.99]). Given these findings, violence prevention strategies should be prioritized in programs that address Swazi FSW health, empowerment, and safety.

Sexual and physical violence and associated factors among female sex workers in Rwanda: a cross-sectional survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mwumvaneza Mutagoma ◽  
Laetitia Nyirazinyoye ◽  
Dieudonné Sebuhoro ◽  
David J Riedel ◽  
Joseph Ntaganira
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Sex

Female sex workers (FSWs) frequently face violence in their working place. This study assessed the physical and sexual violence and associated factors among FSWs in Rwanda. A cross-sectional study was conducted among FSWs in Rwanda in 2015. Venue–Day–Time sampling method was used for recruitment. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression models were computed to assess factors associated with violence. In total, 1978 FSWs were recruited. A large proportion (18.3%) had been sexually abused outside of the family circle, and 37.8% had faced physical violence before 15 years of age. Clients were most often reported (67.0%) as perpetrators of physical violence in sex work. Being aged 25 years old and above, and having sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were positively associated with sexual violence (aOR = 2.1[95%CI: 1.80–2.39]) and (aOR = 3.0[95%CI: 1.01–2.14], respectively). Being aged 25 years old and above (aOR = 0.8[95%CI: 0.76–0.89]) and drinking alcohol every day (aOR = 0.6[95%CI: 0.42–0.87]) were negatively associated with physical violence. Sexual and physical violence was common among FSWs in Rwanda. Single FSWs are the most vulnerable to sexual violence. Alcohol consumption and having STIs are associated with violence against FSWs. Human rights and social protection as well as health promotion among FSWs is needed.

scholarly journals Depression and HIV Risk Behaviors among Female Sex Workers in Guangdong, China: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongcheng Shen ◽  
Huachun Zou ◽  
Shujie Huang ◽  
Fengying Liu ◽  
Peizhen Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Hiv Risk Behaviors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Sex Partner

Background. Our study aimed to assess the burden of depression and evaluate factors associated with depression and status of HIV risk behaviors among female sex workers (FSWs) in Guangdong, China. Method. We recruited FSWs from massage parlors, saunas, restaurants, hotels, hair salons, and streets in Guangdong, China, in 2014. Information on demographic characteristics, HIV testing history, and sexual behaviors was collected using a questionnaire. A blood sample was collected to test for HIV, syphilis, and HCV. A participant was defined as being depressed if she obtained 6 points or above using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Results. Among the 653 participants, 41.7% were 21–30 years old and 43.6% married. Overall, 52.4% were found to be depressed. FSWs who had correct syphilis related knowledge [aOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.04–2.03] and had primary sex partner (1.63, 1.14–2.33) were more likely to be depressed. FSWs who did not use a condom during their last sex with the primary sex partner were less likely to be depressed (0.47, 0.31–0.71). Conclusion. Our study observed high level of depression and HIV risk behaviors among Chinese FSWs. Future interventions should integrate mental health services in comprehensive interventions to prevent depression among Chinese FSWs.

scholarly journals Sexualized Drug Use Among Female Sex Workers from Eight Cities in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason J. Ong ◽  
Mingzhou Xiong ◽  
Joseph D. Tucker ◽  
Yajie Wang ◽  
M. Kumi Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
History Of

AbstractThere is a rich literature on sexualized drug use (i.e., drug use before or during sex) for men who have sex with men but less data from female sex workers (FSW), particularly from low- and middle-income countries. We describe the sexual and reproductive health outcomes in FSW reporting sexualized drug use. In 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional study in eight cities from seven provinces in China. We recruited FSW through community organizations working with sex workers and included those aged 18 years or above, exchanged sex at least once for money or goods in the past three months, and had traded sex for longer than a year. Multivariable logistic regression models were used. In total, 650 women participated: average age was 38.8 years (SD 10.2), 57.1% reported a monthly income over 5000 RMB ($USD 707), and 12.8% completed high school or above. Among participants, 65 (10.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.8–12.6) reported a history of sexualized drug use. Compared to FSW who never reported a history of sexualized drug use, FSW who reported a history of sexualized drug use had greater odds of working for a manager compared to being self-employed (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.04, 95% CI 2.12–7.69), work in a sauna (AOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.09–5.41), charging a higher price for vaginal sex (AOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.14–4.06), and ever diagnosed with STIs (AOR 4.51, 95% CI 2.61–7.80). One in ten FSW reported sexualized drug use. Although they had similar risk profiles in terms of consistency of condom use and reproductive health outcomes, these women were more likely to report past STIs than those who reported no sexualized drug use. Health workers who work with substance users should devote attention to the sexual practices of their clients to make sure that they have safer sex.

scholarly journals Sexual IPV and non-partner rape of female sex workers: findings of a cross-sectional community-centric national study in South Africa

2021 ◽  
pp. 100012
Author(s):  
Rachel Jewkes ◽  
Kennedy Otwombe ◽  
Kristin Dunkle ◽  
Minja Milovanovic ◽  
Khuthadzo Hlongwane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Sex

scholarly journals Association between treatment for gonorrhoea and chlamydia and lower condom use in a cross-sectional study of female sex workers in southern India

BMJ Open ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. e009774
Author(s):  
Marianne Legendre-Dugal ◽  
Janet Bradley ◽  
Subramanian Potty Rajaram ◽  
Catherine M Lowndes ◽  
Banadakoppa M Ramesh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Southern India ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Sex

Gender Based Violence as a Risk Factor for HIV-Associated Risk Behaviors Among Female Sex Workers in Armenia

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 551-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delia L. Lang ◽  
Laura F. Salazar ◽  
Ralph J. DiClemente ◽  
Karine Markosyan
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Gender Based

scholarly journals Early sex work initiation and condom use among alcohol-using female sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya: a cross-sectional analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 92 (8) ◽  
pp. 593-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela M Parcesepe ◽  
Kelly L L'Engle ◽  
Sandra L Martin ◽  
Sherri Green ◽  
Chirayath Suchindran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Sex Work ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Cross Sectional Analysis ◽  
Sectional Analysis

scholarly journals High-Risk Behaviors Among Regular and Casual Female Sex Workers in Iran: A Report from Western Asia

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehran Asadi-Ali Abadi ◽  
Jamileh Abolghasemi ◽  
Shahnaz Rimaz ◽  
Reza Majdzadeh ◽  
Mostafa Shokoohi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
High Risk Behaviors ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Western Asia

scholarly journals Do female sex workers have lower uptake of HIV treatment services than non-sex workers? A cross-sectional study from east Zimbabwe

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e018751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Rhead ◽  
Jocelyn Elmes ◽  
Eloghene Otobo ◽  
Kundai Nhongo ◽  
Albert Takaruza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Treatment Services

ObjectiveGlobally, HIV disproportionately affects female sex workers (FSWs) yet HIV treatment coverage is suboptimal. To improve uptake of HIV services by FSWs, it is important to identify potential inequalities in access and use of care and their determinants. Our aim is to investigate HIV treatment cascades for FSWs and non-sex workers (NSWs) in Manicaland province, Zimbabwe, and to examine the socio-demographic characteristics and intermediate determinants that might explain differences in service uptake.MethodsData from a household survey conducted in 2009–2011 and a parallel snowball sample survey of FSWs were matched using probability methods to reduce under-reporting of FSWs. HIV treatment cascades were constructed and compared for FSWs (n=174) and NSWs (n=2555). Determinants of service uptake were identified a priori in a theoretical framework and tested using logistic regression.ResultsHIV prevalence was higher in FSWs than in NSWs (52.6% vs 19.8%; age-adjusted OR (AOR) 4.0; 95% CI 2.9 to 5.5). In HIV-positive women, FSWs were more likely to have been diagnosed (58.2% vs 42.6%; AOR 1.62; 1.02–2.59) and HIV-diagnosed FSWs were more likely to initiate ART (84.9% vs 64.0%; AOR 2.33; 1.03–5.28). No difference was found for antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence (91.1% vs 90.5%; P=0.9). FSWs’ greater uptake of HIV treatment services became non-significant after adjusting for intermediate factors including HIV knowledge and risk perception, travel time to services, physical and mental health, and recent pregnancy.ConclusionFSWs are more likely to take up testing and treatment services and were closer to achieving optimal outcomes along the cascade compared with NSWs. However, ART coverage was low in all women at the time of the survey. FSWs’ need for, knowledge of and proximity to HIV testing and treatment facilities appear to increase uptake.

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