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Ayamah P, Aheto JMK, Atuahene KS, Annang DA, Nartey DT, Amuasi SA, Abrefa‐Gyan T. Multiple indicators of violence against female sex workers and its associated factors in Ghana: Evidence from the 2015 integrated bio-behavioral surveillance survey cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1243. [PMID: 37152230 PMCID: PMC10158782 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Violence against female sex workers (FSWs) is a widespread phenomenon, especially in African nations like Ghana where sex work is outlawed primarily because of the pervasive worldview that sex work is a contravention of morality. Violence against FSWs deters them from accessing critical health services and heightens their risk of STIs including HIV infection. The study examined the prevalence and the associated factors of multiple indicators of violence against FSWs. Methods The study utilized a cross-sectional secondary data from the 2015 Integrated Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Survey conducted among FSWs and their nonpaying partners by Ghana AIDS Commission. We analysed data on a total of 4279 participants. Bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were utilized to identify factors associated with physical and sexual violence against FSWs. Data were analysed using Stata version 15. Results Of the 4279 FSWs, 433 (10%) and 1059 (25%) suffered physical and sexual violence, respectively. The predictors of physical violence are being a seater (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36-0.74), aged ≥40 (aOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08-0.64), nonuse of drugs (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.44-0.70), not using alcohol before sex (aOR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56-0.86) and petty business (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.05-1.82). Sexual violence was predicted by those aged 31-40 (aOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49-0.94) and age ≥40 (aOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.22-0.66), currently married (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.27-0.67), having no living children (aOR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.51-0.94), nonuse of drugs (aOR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.68-0.94), and not using alcohol before sex (aOR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.63-0.86). Region was associated with both physical and sexual violence. Both physical and sexual violence had negative consequences on consistency of condom use and condom failure among FSWs. Conclusion Physical and sexual violence against FSWs is pervasive, and a critical public health issue in Ghana. The identified associated factors could be considered as part of an overall strategy aimed at addressing the menace.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justice Moses K. Aheto
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health SciencesUniversity of GhanaAccraGhana
- WorldPop, School of Geography and Environmental ScienceUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public HealthUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | | | | | - David T. Nartey
- Research, Monitoring and EvaluationJSI Research and Training Institute Inc.BostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sue A. Amuasi
- Physician Assistantship and Public Health, School of Medicine and Health SciencesCentral UniversityAccraGhana
| | - Tina Abrefa‐Gyan
- Department of SociologyGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
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Ikuteyijo OO, Akinyemi AI, Merten S. Exposure to job-related violence among young female sex workers in urban slums of Southwest Nigeria. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1021. [PMID: 35597935 PMCID: PMC9123769 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13440-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Nigeria, many young girls are engaged in commercial sex work as a means of livelihood and support of dependent relatives. Although studies have documented some of the violence related issues among commercial sex workers, the plight of adolescent and young sex workers particularly in urban slums may be different in context and depth. Objective This study explored the lived experiences of violence and health related harm among vulnerable young female sex workers in urban slums in Ibadan and Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. It also analyzed their coping strategies and survival mechanisms. Design The study is cross-sectional and applied an interpretive phenomenological approach to this qualitative study through in-depth interviews. Participants Young female sex workers ages (15–24 years) who reported having experienced violence were recruited for the study. Twelve participants completed the interviews out the 20 initially contacted. Data collection and analysis Primary data were collected using in-depth interviews (IDIs). Data were transcribed using a phenomenological framework analysis. Participants’ reports based on life experiences were identified: lived experience “daily brothel life experience”; sources of violence such as law enforcement agents’ intermittent raids; violence experience with clients who often demanded sexual acts beyond the agreed scope; and coping strategies employed to mitigate the challenges. Settings The study was conducted in brothels of two selected slum areas in Ibadan and Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. Results The results showed that the major motivation for engaging in commercial sex work was for economic reasons. However, there are inherent risks involved particularly for the vulnerable young people. Stigmatization from the community, clients’ uncontrolled-aggressive behavior and harassment from law enforcement agents are some of the frequent violence experiences reported. Self-help coping strategies are usually employed to prevent or mitigate the challenges. Conclusion The plight of this young people required policy and program attention towards alternative economic empowerment to rehabilitate those willing to leave the profession. Also the need to develop arm reduction interventions towards protection of young sex workers against violence. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13440-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olutoyin Opeyemi Ikuteyijo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwil, 4123, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Akanni Ibukun Akinyemi
- Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria
| | - Sonja Merten
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwil, 4123, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Schaaf M, Boydell V, Topp SM, Iyer A, Sen G, Askew I. A summative content analysis of how programmes to improve the right to sexual and reproductive health address power. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-008438. [PMID: 35443940 PMCID: PMC9021801 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Power shapes all aspects of global health. The concept of power is not only useful in understanding the current situation, but it is also regularly mobilised in programmatic efforts that seek to change power relations. This paper uses summative content analysis to describe how sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programmes in low-income and middle-income countries explicitly and implicitly aim to alter relations of power. METHODS Content analysis is a qualitative approach to analysing textual data; in our analysis, peer-reviewed articles that describe programmes aiming to alter power relations to improve SRH constituted the data. We searched three databases, ultimately including 108 articles. We extracted the articles into a spreadsheet that included basic details about the paper and the programme, including what level of the social ecological model programme activities addressed. RESULTS The programmes reviewed reflect a diversity of priorities and approaches to addressing power, though most papers were largely based in a biomedical framework. Most programmes intervened at multiple levels simultaneously; some of these were 'structural' programmes that explicitly aimed to shift power relations, others addressed multiple levels using a more typical programme theory that sought to change individual behaviours and proximate drivers. This prevailing focus on proximate behaviours is somewhat mismatched with the broader literature on the power-related drivers of SRH health inequities, which explores the role of embedded norms and structures. CONCLUSION This paper adds value by summarising what the academic public health community has chosen to test and research in terms of power relations and SRH, and by raising questions about how this corresponds to the significant task of effecting change in power relations to improve the right to SRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Schaaf
- Independent Consultant, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Victoria Boydell
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex Faculty of Science and Health, Colchester, UK
| | - Stephanie M Topp
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aditi Iyer
- Ramalingaswami Centre on Equity and Social Determinants of Health, Public Health Foundation of India, Bangalore, India
| | - Gita Sen
- Ramalingaswami Centre on Equity and Social Determinants of Health, Public Health Foundation of India, Bangalore, India
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Peitzmeier SM, Wirtz AL, Beyrer C, Peryshkina A, Sherman SG, Colantuoni E, Decker MR. Polyvictimization Among Russian Sex Workers: Intimate Partner, Police, and Pimp Violence Cluster With Client Violence. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP8056-NP8081. [PMID: 30966847 PMCID: PMC9476162 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519839431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Female sex workers (FSW) are a key population in the HIV epidemic and face high levels of violence. While women globally are predominantly at risk of intimate partner violence (IPV), FSW are additionally vulnerable to violence from clients, police, and pimps associated with their occupation. FSW are therefore at risk of cumulative trauma from polyvictimization, or violence from multiple types of perpetrators. Polyvictimization is a driver of morbidity and mortality in numerous populations, but there has been little research on how multiple types of victimization are related to one another in FSW. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 754 FSW from three cities in the Russian Federation. Surveys assessed lifetime experiences of client, police, intimate partner, and pimp violence. Multivariate log-binomial and Poisson regression were used to test associations between these types of violence. Forty-five percent experienced any type of violence, including 31.7% from clients, 16.0% from police, 15.7% from intimate partners, and 11.4% from pimps. One fifth (20.4%) experienced polyvictimization. Client violence was central to polyvictimization: Only 5.9% of polyvictimization occurs without client violence. When client violence was not present, police, pimp, or IPV co-occurred significantly less than would be expected under an assumption that these types of violence occur independently (p < .001). However, they co-occurred more than would be expected when client violence is present. After adjusting for other types of violence experienced and demographic factors, experiencing client violence was independently associated with police violence (adjusted relative risk [ARR] = 2.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.67, 4.59]), IPV (ARR = 3.67, 95% CI [1.95, 6.89]), and pimp violence (ARR = 5.26, 95% CI [2.80, 9.86]). Client violence may drive exposure to other types of violence and enable polyvictimization in a way that other types of violence do not in this setting. Violence prevention interventions may achieve maximal effect in reducing multiple types of violence by focusing on client violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Peitzmeier
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrea L Wirtz
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Susan G Sherman
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Michele R Decker
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Chabata ST, Hensen B, Chiyaka T, Mushati P, Musemburi S, Dirawo J, Busza J, Floyd S, Birdthistle I, Hargreaves JR, Cowan FM. The impact of the DREAMS partnership on HIV incidence among young women who sell sex in two Zimbabwean cities: results of a non-randomised study. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-003892. [PMID: 33906844 PMCID: PMC8088246 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Young women who sell sex (YWSS) in Zimbabwe remain at high risk of HIV infection. Effective HIV prevention strategies are needed. Through support to access a combination of evidence-based interventions, including oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) partnership aimed to reduce new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women by 40% over 24 months. METHODS Non-randomised 'plausibility' evaluation, powered to detect a 40% HIV incidence difference between DREAMS and non-DREAMS sites. Two large cities with DREAMS funding were included, and four smaller non-DREAMS towns for comparison. In all sites, YWSS were enrolled to a cohort through peer-referral. Women were followed up for 24 months. HIV seroconversion was the primary outcome, with secondary outcomes identified through a theory of change. Outcomes were compared between YWSS recruited in DREAMS cities and non-DREAMS towns, adjusting for individual-level confounders and HIV prevalence at enrolment. RESULTS From April to July 2017, 2431 women were enrolled, 1859 of whom were HIV negative at enrolment; 1019 of these women (54.8%) were followed up from March to May 2019 and included in endline analysis. Access to clinical services increased, but access to socioeconomic interventions promoted by DREAMS was limited. A total of 79 YWSS HIV seroconverted, with HIV incidence among YWSS in DREAMS cities lower (3.1/100 person-years) than in non-DREAMS towns (5.3/100 person-years). In prespecified adjusted analysis, HIV incidence was lower in DREAMS cities but with weak statistical evidence (adjusted rate ratio (RR)=0.68; 95% CI 0.40 to 1.19; p=0.18). Women in DREAMS cities were more likely to report ever and ongoing PrEP use, consistent condom use, fewer sexual partners and less intimate partner violence. CONCLUSION It is plausible that DREAMS lowered HIV incidence among YWSS in two Zimbabwean cities, but our evaluation provides weak statistical evidence for impact and suggests any reduction in incidence was lower than the anticipated 40% decline. We identified changes to some important 'pathways to impact' variables, including condom use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungai T Chabata
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe .,Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bernadette Hensen
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tarisai Chiyaka
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Phillis Mushati
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Sithembile Musemburi
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jeffrey Dirawo
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Joanna Busza
- Centre for Evaluation, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sian Floyd
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Isolde Birdthistle
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - James R Hargreaves
- Centre for Evaluation, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Frances M Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Ampt FH, Lim MSC, Agius PA, L'Engle K, Manguro G, Gichuki C, Gichangi P, Chersich MF, Jaoko W, Temmerman M, Stoové M, Hellard M, Luchters S. Effect of a mobile phone intervention for female sex workers on unintended pregnancy in Kenya (WHISPER or SHOUT): a cluster-randomised controlled trial. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2020; 8:e1534-e1545. [PMID: 33220217 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30389-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female sex workers in low-income and middle-income countries face high risks of unintended pregnancy. We developed a 12-month, multifaceted short messaging service intervention (WHISPER) for female sex workers in Kenya who had the potential to become pregnant, to improve their contraceptive knowledge and behaviours. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the intervention to reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancy among sex workers in Kenya compared with an equal-attention control group receiving nutrition-focused messages (SHOUT). METHODS Our two-arm, cluster-randomised controlled trial was done in sex-work venues in two subcounties of Mombasa, Kenya (Kisauni and Changamwe). Participants, aged 16-34 years, not pregnant or planning pregnancy, able to read text messages in English, residing in the study area, and who had a personal mobile phone with one of two phone networks, were recruited from 93 randomly selected sex-work venues (clusters). Random cluster allocation (1:1) to the intervention or control group was concealed from participants and researchers until the intervention started. Both groups received text messages in English delivered two to three times per week for 12 months (137 messages in total), as well as additional on-demand messages. Message content in the intervention group focused on promotion of contraception, particularly long-acting reversible contraception and dual method contraceptive use; message content in the control group focused on promotion of nutritional knowledge and practices, including food safety, preparation, and purchasing. The primary endpoint, analysed in all participants who were randomly assigned and attended at least one follow-up visit, compared unintended pregnancy incidence between groups using discrete-time survival analysis at 6 and 12 months. This trial is registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12616000852459, and is closed to new participants. FINDINGS Between Sept 14, 2016, and May 16, 2017, 1728 individuals were approached to take part in the study. Of these, 1155 were eligible for full screening, 1035 were screened, and 882 were eligible, enrolled, and randomly assigned (451 participants from 47 venues in the intervention group; 431 participants from 46 venues in the control group). 401 participants from the intervention group and 385 participants from the control group were included in the primary analysis. Incidence of unintended pregnancy was 15·5 per 100 person-years in the intervention group and 14·7 per 100 person-years in the control group (hazard ratio 0·98, 95% CI 0·69-1·39). INTERPRETATION The intervention had no measurable effect on unintended pregnancy incidence. Mobile health interventions, even when acceptable and rigorously designed, are unlikely to have a sufficient effect on behaviour among female sex workers to change pregnancy incidence when used in isolation. FUNDING National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances H Ampt
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Megan S C Lim
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul A Agius
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kelly L'Engle
- Department of Health Professions, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Peter Gichangi
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Mombasa, Kenya; Technical University of Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Matthew F Chersich
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Walter Jaoko
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Mombasa, Kenya; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mark Stoové
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stanley Luchters
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Population Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Associations Between Violence and HIV Risk Behaviors Differ by Perpetrator Among Russian Sex Workers. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:812-822. [PMID: 31531737 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02668-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Violence is associated with HIV and HIV risk behaviors among female sex workers (FSW). However, few studies assess multiple forms of violence and multiple HIV risk behaviors to build a comprehensive picture of how violence is implicated in HIV risk. Using respondent-driven sampling, 754 FSW were recruited in the Russian Federation. Surveys collected data on lifetime exposure to client, police, intimate partner, and pimp violence, as well as recent HIV risk behavior in the forms of injecting drug use (IDU), and inconsistent condom use with intimate partners and clients. Multivariable log-binomial and Poisson regression were used to assess associations between violence and HIV risk behavior outcomes. Lifetime client (31.7%), police (16.0%), intimate partner (15.7%), and pimp (11.4%) violence were prevalent. IDU (10.7%) and inconsistent condom use with intimate partners (45.1%) and clients (22.5%) were common. Intimate partner violence (IPV) and client violence were associated with IDU (ARRIPV 2.12, 95% CI 1.10, 4.10; ARRClient 2.75, 95% CI 1.19, 6.32), IPV and police violence were associated with inconsistent condom use with intimate partners (ARRIPV 1.10, 95% CI 1.01, 1.19; ARRPolice 1.11, 95% CI 1.01, 1.21), and IPV and police violence were associated with inconsistent condom use with clients (ARRIPV 1.49, 95% CI 1.02, 2.17; ARRPolice 1.65, 95% CI 1.19, 2.29). Each perpetrator-specific type of violence was associated with a unique set of HIV risk behaviors. Comprehensive violence prevention programming that addresses multiple perpetrators of violence against FSW, including clients, intimate partners and police, is critical for reducing sexual and drug-related HIV risk in FSW.
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Gram L, Fitchett A, Ashraf A, Daruwalla N, Osrin D. Promoting women's and children's health through community groups in low-income and middle-income countries: a mixed-methods systematic review of mechanisms, enablers and barriers. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001972. [PMID: 31908874 PMCID: PMC6936553 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community mobilisation through group activities has been used to improve women's and children's health in a range of low-income and middle-income contexts, but the mechanisms through which it works deserve greater consideration. We did a mixed-methods systematic review of mechanisms, enablers and barriers to the promotion of women's and children's health in community mobilisation interventions. METHODS We searched for theoretical and empirical peer-reviewed articles between January 2000 and November 2018. First, we extracted and collated proposed mechanisms, enablers and barriers into categories. Second, we extracted and synthesised evidence for them using narrative synthesis. We assessed risk of bias with adapted Downs and Black and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists. We assigned confidence grades to each proposed mechanism, enabler and barrier. RESULTS 78 articles met the inclusion criteria, of which 39 described interventions based on a participatory group education model, 19 described community-led structural interventions to promote sexual health in marginalised populations and 20 concerned other types of intervention or multiple interventions at once. We did not have high confidence in any mechanism, enabler or barrier. Two out of 15 proposed mechanisms and 10 out of 12 proposed enablers and barriers reached medium confidence. A few studies provided direct evidence relating proposed mechanisms, enablers or barriers to health behaviours or health outcomes. Only two studies presented mediation or interaction analysis for a proposed mechanism, enabler or barrier. CONCLUSION We uncovered multiple proposed mechanisms, enablers and barriers to health promotion through community groups, but much work remains to provide a robust evidence base for proposed mechanisms, enablers and barriers. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018093695.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gram
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Adam Fitchett
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Asma Ashraf
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nayreen Daruwalla
- Society for Nutrition, Education & Health Action (SNEHA), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - David Osrin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Javalkar P, Platt L, Prakash R, Beattie TS, Collumbien M, Gafos M, Ramanaik S, Davey C, Jewkes R, Watts C, Bhattacharjee P, Thalinja R, Dl K, Isac S, Heise L. Effectiveness of a multilevel intervention to reduce violence and increase condom use in intimate partnerships among female sex workers: cluster randomised controlled trial in Karnataka, India. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001546. [PMID: 31798984 PMCID: PMC6861099 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Samvedana Plus is a multilevel intervention working with sex workers, their intimate partners (IPs) and communities to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) and to increase condom use within intimate relationships of sex workers in Northern Karnataka, India. Methods A cluster randomised controlled trial in 47 villages. Female sex workers with IPs in the last 6 months were eligible for baseline (2014), midline (2016) and endline (2017) surveys. 24 villages were randomised to Samvedana Plus and 23 to a wait-list control. Primary outcomes among sex workers included experience of physical and/or sexual IPV or severe physical/sexual IPV in the last 6 months and consistent condom use with their IP in past 30 days. Analyses adjusted for clustering and baseline cluster-level means of outcomes. Result Baseline (n=620) imbalance was observed with respect to age (33.9 vs 35.2) and IPV (31.4% vs 45.0%). No differences in physical/sexual IPV (8.1% vs 9.0%), severe physical/sexual IPV (6.9% vs 8.7%) or consistent condom use with IPs (62.5% vs 57.3%) were observed by trial arm at end line (n=547). Samvedana Plus was associated with decreased acceptance of IPV (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.62, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.94, p=0.025), increased awareness of self-protection strategies (AOR=1.73, 95% CI=1.04-2.89, p=0.035) and solidarity of sex workers around issues of IPV (AOR=1.69, 95% CI=1.02-2.82, p=0.042). We observed an increase in IPV between baseline (25.9%) and midline (63.5%) among women in Samvedana Plus villages but lower in comparison villages (41.8%-44.3%) and a sharp decrease at end line in both arms (~8%). Conclusion We found no evidence that Samvedana Plus reduced IPV or increased condom use, but it may impact acceptance of IPV, increase knowledge of self-protection strategies and increase sex worker solidarity. Inconsistencies in reported IPV undermined the ability of the trial to assess effectiveness. Trial registration number NCT02807259.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucy Platt
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ravi Prakash
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bengalaru, India
| | - Tara S Beattie
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Martine Collumbien
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Calum Davey
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rachel Jewkes
- Gender and Health Division, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Charlotte Watts
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Kavitha Dl
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bengalaru, India
| | - Shajy Isac
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bengalaru, India
| | - Lori Heise
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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10
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Brody C, Sok S, Tuot S, Pantelic M, Restoy E, Yi S. Do combination HIV prevention programmes result in increased empowerment, inclusion and agency to demand equal rights for marginalised populations in low-income and middle-income countries? A systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001560. [PMID: 31673432 PMCID: PMC6797339 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This systematic review aims to determine if combination HIV prevention programmes include outcome measures for empowerment, inclusion and agency to demand equal rights and measure the relationship between empowerment and HIV prevention outcomes. Methods An electronic literature search of PubMed, POPLINE, Index Medicus and Google Scholar was conducted between August and October 2018. We included studies that evaluated combination prevention programmes that had all three types of intervention components and that specifically serve members of populations disproportionately affected by HIV published from 2008 to 2018. The selected studies were screened for inclusion, and relevant data abstracted, assessed for bias and synthesised. Results This review included a total of 15 studies. Findings indicate that combination HIV prevention programmes for marginalised populations have delivered a variety of theory-based behavioural and structural interventions that support improvements in empowerment, inclusion and agency. However, empowerment, inclusion and least of all agency are not measured consistently or in a standardised way. In addition, analysis of their relationships with HIV prevention outcomes is rare. Out of our 15 included studies, only two measured a relationship between an empowerment, inclusion or agency outcome and an HIV prevention outcome. Conclusion These findings suggest that policy-makers, programme planners and researchers might need to consider the intermediate steps on the pathway to increased condom use and HIV testing so as to explain the ‘how’ of their achievements and inform future investments in HIV prevention. This will support replication and expansion of programmes and ensure sustainability of the programmes. PROSPERO registration number CRD42018106909
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Affiliation(s)
- Carinne Brody
- Center for Global Health Research, Touro University California, Vallejo, California, USA
| | - Say Sok
- KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Sovannary Tuot
- KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Marija Pantelic
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,Frontline AIDS, Brighton, UK.,Department of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Enrique Restoy
- Frontline AIDS, Brighton, UK.,School of Global Studies, Sussex University, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Siyan Yi
- Center for Global Health Research, Touro University California, Vallejo, California, USA.,KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Javalkar P, Platt L, Prakash R, Beattie T, Bhattacharjee P, Thalinja R, L KD, Sangha CATM, Ramanaik S, Collumbien M, Davey C, Moses S, Jewkes R, Isac S, Heise L. What determines violence among female sex workers in an intimate partner relationship? Findings from North Karnataka, south India. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:350. [PMID: 30922283 PMCID: PMC6440026 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6673-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Like other women in India, female sex workers (FSWs) frequently experience violence from their intimate partners (IPs)-a reality that increases their risk of acquiring HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Less is known about the nature of these intimate relationships or what aspect of the relationship increases the risk of IP violence (IPV). We measured the prevalence and determinants of IPV on FSWs in the context of north Karnataka, India, characterized by high HIV-prevalence and extreme poverty. Methods Overall 620 FSWs with an IP participated in a baseline survey conducted for an on-going cluster-randomised controlled trial aiming to evaluate the impact of a multi-level intervention on IPV reduction. We characterize the nature of intimate relationships and explored determinants of severe physical and/or sexual IP violence using univariable and multivariable analyses. Results The median age of participants was 35 years with 10 years of duration in an intimate relationship. Though most relationships originated from a sex work encounter, 84% stated that IPs did not know they were currently practicing sex work. In past 6 months, the experience of emotional violence was 49% (95%CI:45.2–53.2), physical 33% (95%CI:29.5–37.1) and sexual violence 7% (95%CI:4.8–8.9), while 24% (95%CI:21.0–27.9) FSWs experienced recent severe physical and/or sexual violence from IPs. Factors associated with recent IPV included experience of physical and/or sexual violence from their clients in last 6 months (AOR 2.20; 95%CI: 1.29–3.75), sexual intercourse in the past 1 month when their IP was under the influence of alcohol (AOR 2.30; 95%CI: 1.47–3.59) and providing financial support to their IP (AOR 2.07; 95%CI: 1.28–3.34). Conclusions The association between increased risk of violence and provision of financial support to an IP is indicative of gendered power dynamics as men remain dominant irrespective of their financial dependency on FSWs. Interventions are needed that address inequitable gender norms which makes FSWs tolerate violence even though she is not financially dependent on IP. Higher likelihood of violence in presence of alcohol use and FSWs’ previous experience of workplace violence linked to IPV call for strengthening the crisis management systems within community-based organisations that can address all forms of violence and associated risk factors. Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT02807259
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Javalkar
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, 5th Floor, #1-4, Rajajinagar Industrial Area, Behind KSSIDC Admin Office, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560044, India.
| | - Lucy Platt
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN, UK
| | - Ravi Prakash
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, 5th Floor, #1-4, Rajajinagar Industrial Area, Behind KSSIDC Admin Office, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560044, India
| | - Tara Beattie
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN, UK
| | - Parinita Bhattacharjee
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, 5th Floor, #1-4, Rajajinagar Industrial Area, Behind KSSIDC Admin Office, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560044, India.,Center for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Raghavendra Thalinja
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, 5th Floor, #1-4, Rajajinagar Industrial Area, Behind KSSIDC Admin Office, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560044, India
| | - Kavitha D L
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, 5th Floor, #1-4, Rajajinagar Industrial Area, Behind KSSIDC Admin Office, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560044, India
| | | | - Satyanarayana Ramanaik
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, 5th Floor, #1-4, Rajajinagar Industrial Area, Behind KSSIDC Admin Office, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560044, India
| | - Martine Collumbien
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN, UK
| | - Calum Davey
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN, UK
| | - Stephen Moses
- Center for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Rachel Jewkes
- South African Medical Research Council, 1 Soutpansberg Road, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Shajy Isac
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, 5th Floor, #1-4, Rajajinagar Industrial Area, Behind KSSIDC Admin Office, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560044, India.,Center for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Lori Heise
- Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
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12
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Fehrenbacher AE, Chowdhury D, Jana S, Ray P, Dey B, Ghose T, Swendeman D. Consistent Condom Use by Married and Cohabiting Female Sex Workers in India: Investigating Relational Norms with Commercial Versus Intimate Partners. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:4034-4047. [PMID: 30006793 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2219-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study examines determinants of consistent condom use (CCU) among married and cohabiting female sex workers (FSW) in India. Although CCU with clients is normative in the study area, most FSW do not consistently use condoms with intimate partners. Multiple logistic regression models indicated that condom use with intimate partners was associated with relationship status, cohabitation, HIV knowledge, STI symptoms, and being offered more money for sex without a condom by clients. Additionally, more days of sex work in the last week, serving as a peer educator, and participating in community mobilization activities were associated with higher odds of CCU across all partner types. Although improving economic security may increase CCU with clients, mobilization to reduce stigma and promote disclosure of sex work to non-cohabiting partners may be necessary to increase CCU overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Fehrenbacher
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Debasish Chowdhury
- Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), Sector-44, Plot No-47, Gurgaon, 122003, India
| | - Smarajit Jana
- Sonagachi Research & Training Institute, Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee, 12/5 Nilmoni Mitra Street, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Protim Ray
- Sonagachi Research & Training Institute, Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee, 12/5 Nilmoni Mitra Street, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Bharati Dey
- Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee, 12/5 Nilmoni Mitra Street, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Toorjo Ghose
- School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania, 3701 Locust Walk, Caster D17, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Dallas Swendeman
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
- University of California Global Health Institute's Center of Expertise in Women's Health, Gender, and Empowerment, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
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13
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García JI, Sabidó M, Nikiforov M, Smith A, Hernández G, Ortiz R, Ardani L, Cajas A, Camey E, Torrelles JB, Wang SH, Campbell CNJ, Folch C, Casabona J. The UALE project: a cross-sectional approach for trends in HIV/STI prevalence among key populations attending STI clinics in Guatemala. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e022632. [PMID: 30232112 PMCID: PMC6150151 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe and compare trends in prevalence, sexual behaviour and HIV transmission knowledge data related to sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV in patients attending three STI clinics over an 8-year period in Escuintla Department, Guatemala. METHODS STI clinic attendees were classified into transmission groups as follows: female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM) and 'high-risk heterosexuals' (HRH). Annual cross-sectional analysis and multivariable Poisson regression adjusted for sociodemographic variables were used for prevalence comparisons and adjusted prevalence trends for HIV/STI outcomes and used for adjusted trends in proportions in sexual behaviour and HIV transmission knowledge outcomes. Endocervical swabs were obtained to detect trichomonas, chlamydia and neisseria infections. Serologies for syphilis and HIV were performed using rapid tests. For reactive HIV samples, positivity was confirmed by an ELISA. All reactive syphilis samples were further confirmed for diagnosis of active syphilis disease. RESULTS From a total of 4027 clinic attendees, 3213 (79.78%) were FSW, 229 (5.69%) were MSM and 585 (14.53%) were HRH. The proportion of FSW, MSM and HRH who had a single visit was 56.42%, 57.23% and 91.10%, respectively. Overall, HIV prevalence was 2.10% in FSW, 8.17% in MSM and 4.12% in HRH. Prevalence trends in HIV and syphilis decreased in FSW. Prevalence trends in gonorrhoea did not decrease over time neither in FSW nor in HRH. Chlamydia and trichomonas infections in HRH showed an increase prevalence trend. In FSW, trends in condom use in last sexual intercourse with regular and occasional clients were above 93%. CONCLUSIONS FSW show a decreasing trend in HIV, syphilis and chlamydia prevalence. Gonorrhoea prevalence in FSW and HRH did not decrease over time. HRH is a hard to engage population with low follow-up rates and high potential to act as a bridge population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ignacio García
- Fundació Sida i Societat, Technical Advisor Unit (UAT), Hospital Nacional de Escuintla, Escuintla, Guatemala
- Center for Epidemiological Studies on HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Generalitat de Catalunya, Badalona, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Preventive Medicine, and Public Health. PhD Programme in Methodology of Biomedical Research and Public Health., Univeristat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Sabidó
- TransLab, Department of Medical Sciences, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mikhail Nikiforov
- Fundació Sida i Societat, Technical Advisor Unit (UAT), Hospital Nacional de Escuintla, Escuintla, Guatemala
| | - Adriana Smith
- Fundació Sida i Societat, Technical Advisor Unit (UAT), Hospital Nacional de Escuintla, Escuintla, Guatemala
| | - Gabriela Hernández
- Fundació Sida i Societat, Technical Advisor Unit (UAT), Hospital Nacional de Escuintla, Escuintla, Guatemala
| | - Rudy Ortiz
- Fundació Sida i Societat, Technical Advisor Unit (UAT), Hospital Nacional de Escuintla, Escuintla, Guatemala
| | - Luis Ardani
- Fundació Sida i Societat, Technical Advisor Unit (UAT), Hospital Nacional de Escuintla, Escuintla, Guatemala
| | - Alba Cajas
- Fundació Sida i Societat, Technical Advisor Unit (UAT), Hospital Nacional de Escuintla, Escuintla, Guatemala
| | - Elsy Camey
- Fundació Sida i Societat, Technical Advisor Unit (UAT), Hospital Nacional de Escuintla, Escuintla, Guatemala
| | | | - Shu-Hua Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases. The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Colin N J Campbell
- TB Section, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Cinta Folch
- Center for Epidemiological Studies on HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Generalitat de Catalunya, Badalona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Casabona
- Fundació Sida i Societat, Technical Advisor Unit (UAT), Hospital Nacional de Escuintla, Escuintla, Guatemala
- Center for Epidemiological Studies on HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Generalitat de Catalunya, Badalona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Univeristat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Beksinska A, Prakash R, Isac S, Mohan HL, Platt L, Blanchard J, Moses S, Beattie TS. 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; 8:e021389. [PMID: 30206080 PMCID: PMC6144389 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Female 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. METHODS An 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. RESULTS 1111 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. CONCLUSION HIV/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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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Beksinska
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ravi Prakash
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Shajy Isac
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - H L Mohan
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Lucy Platt
- Department of Social and Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - James Blanchard
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Stephen Moses
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Tara S Beattie
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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15
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Heylen E, Shamban E, Steward WT, Krishnan G, Solomon R, Srikrishnan AK, Ekstrand ML. Alcohol Use and Experiences of Partner Violence Among Female Sex Workers in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, India. Violence Against Women 2018; 25:251-273. [PMID: 29953335 DOI: 10.1177/1077801218778384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study describes the prevalence and context of violence by sexual partners against female sex workers (FSWs, N = 589) in Andhra Pradesh and its association with alcohol use by FSWs and abusive partners. In all, 84% of FSWs reported alcohol use; 65% reported lifetime physical abuse by a sexual partner. Most abused women suffered abuse from multiple partners, often triggered by inebriation or FSW's defiance. In multivariate logistic regressions, frequency of FSW's alcohol use was associated with abuse by clients and primary partner, whereas partner's alcohol use was only significant for abuse by primary partner, not clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Heylen
- 1 University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - A K Srikrishnan
- 4 Y.R. Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education, Chennai, India
| | - Maria L Ekstrand
- 1 University of California, San Francisco, USA.,5 St. John's Research Institute, Bangalore, India
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16
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Bhattacharjee P, Campbell L, Thalinja R, Nair S, Doddamane M, Ramanaik S, Isac S, Beattie TS. Understanding the Relationship Between Female Sex Workers and Their Intimate Partners: Lessons and Initial Findings From Participatory Research in North Karnataka, South India. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2018; 45:824-835. [PMID: 29618240 PMCID: PMC6139989 DOI: 10.1177/1090198118763934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
While traditional HIV prevention programs with female sex workers (FSWs) in Karnataka, India, have focused on reducing HIV transmission between FSWs and clients through increased condom use, these programs have not fully addressed the transmission risk between FSWs and their nonpaying intimate partners (IPs). Condom use is infrequent and violence is recurrent in these relationships: Furthermore, there is little evidence on the precise nature of FSW–IP relationships. Our study addresses this knowledge gap to inform HIV programs targeted at FSWs. A series of workshops, using participatory tools, was held to explore FSW-IP relationships; 31 FSWs and 37 IPs participated. Three aspects of FSW–IP relationships were examined: how FSWs and IPs understand and interpret their relationships, factors influencing condom use, and the role of violence and its consequences. FSWs wish to be perceived as their IPs’ wives, while IPs expect their FSW partners to accept their dominance in the relationship. Nonuse of condoms signals fidelity and elevates the status of the relationship almost to that of marriage, which helps FSWs enter the category of “good” (married) women. Tolerating and accepting violence in these relationships is normative, as in other marital relationships; IPs justify violence as necessary to establish and maintain their power within the relationship. Both FSWs and IPs value their relationships despite the high degree of risk posed by low condom use and high levels of violence. Implications for program design include addressing current norms around masculinity and gender roles, and improving communication within relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parinita Bhattacharjee
- 1 Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bangalore, India.,2 University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | | | - Sapna Nair
- 1 Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bangalore, India.,4 Institute for Financial Management and Research, Chennai, India
| | | | | | - Shajy Isac
- 1 Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bangalore, India.,2 University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Tara S Beattie
- 5 London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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