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Mulenga DM, Rosen JG, Banda L, Musheke M, Mbizvo MT, Raymond HF, Keating R, Witola H, Phiri L, Geibel S, Tun W, Pilgrim N. "I Have to Do It in Secrecy": Provider Perspectives on HIV Service Delivery and Quality of Care for Key Populations in Zambia. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2024; 35:27-39. [PMID: 38019138 PMCID: PMC10842367 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Key populations (KPs) experience suboptimal outcomes along the HIV care and prevention continua, but there is limited study of the challenges service providers encounter delivering HIV services to KPs, particularly in settings like Zambia, where provision of these services remains legally ambiguous. Seventy-seven providers completed in-depth interviews exploring constraints to HIV service delivery for KPs and recommendations for improving access and care quality. Thematic analysis identified salient challenges and opportunities to service delivery and quality of care for KPs, spanning interpersonal, institutional, and structural domains. Limited provider training in KP-specific needs was perceived to influence KP disclosure patterns in clinical settings, impeding service quality. The criminalization of KP sexual and drug use behaviors, coupled with perceived institutional and legal ambiguities to providing HIV services to KPs, cultivated unwelcoming service delivery environments for KPs. Findings elucidate opportunities for improving HIV service delivery/quality, from decentralized care to expanded legal protections for KPs and service providers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph G. Rosen
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Henry F. Raymond
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ryan Keating
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Harold Witola
- National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council, Ministry of Health, Government of the Republic of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Xie Y, Xiong M, Qi Z, Shen J, Xu X, Luo X, Wang C, Tang W. Client-Perpetrated Violence Experience Among Female Sex Worker in Guangdong, South China: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:806-815. [PMID: 36044124 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03813-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Client-perpetrated violence (CPV) can lead to worse health consequences. However, little attention is paid to the CPV experience among Chinese female sex workers. Our study aimed to assess the association between CPV experience and health risk behaviors among FSWs in China. Data used in this study was from the baseline interviewer-administered questionnaire of a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in June-October 2020. The collected information included sociodemographic characteristics, HIV/STI symptoms, number of clients, quality of the workplace, and past CPV experience. The association between violence experience and potential HIV/STI risk factors was explored using multivariable regression. Among 480 FSWs who participated in this study, 13.5% experienced CPV in the past. Compared to those who had never experienced CPV, FSWs who experienced CPV were more likely to report previous STI-related symptoms (aOR 4.29, 95% CI 1.73-10.64), more than 15 clients in the past month (aOR 2.56, 95% CI 1.18-5.52), a history of HIV testing (aOR 2.99, 95% CI 1.64-5.46), and work at low-tier workplaces (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.18-3.70). Overall, CPV prevalence is not low among Chinese FSWs, and there are some associations with HIV/STI risk factors; a future intervention targeting CPV in HIV/STI prevention programs is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yewei Xie
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingzhou Xiong
- Dermatology Hospital of South Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhidong Qi
- Yunfu Chronic Disease Prevention Center, Yunfu, China
| | - Jingwen Shen
- Maoming Chronic Disease Prevention Center, Maoming, China
| | - Xiaojuan Xu
- Yangjiang Public Health Hospital, Yangjiang, China
| | - Xinyi Luo
- Yingde Chronic Disease Control Hospital, Yingde, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Dermatology Hospital of South Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Weiming Tang
- Dermatology Hospital of South Medical University, Guangzhou, China. .,Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 130 Mason Farm Road 7030, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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Nestadt DF, Schneider KE, Tomko C, Sherman SG. Criminalization and coercion: sexual encounters with police among a longitudinal cohort of women who exchange sex in Baltimore, Maryland. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:11. [PMID: 36707897 PMCID: PMC9881257 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00738-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The criminalization of sex work and drug use creates unequal power dynamics easily exploited by police. Women who exchange sex (WES) in settings around the globe have reported coerced sex and sexual assault by police, and some have reported police as paying clients. Little research has examined nuances underlying WES's sexual interactions with police. METHODS A cohort of cisgender WES (N = 308) was recruited through targeted sampling in Baltimore, Maryland and completed a structured survey every 6 months for 18 months. Follow-up surveys included detailed questions about recent sexual encounters with police. In bivariate and multivariate models using generalized estimating equations to account for intra-person correlation, we examined correlates of reporting recent sex with police over time. RESULTS One-third reported recent sex with police at any study visit. At each time point, about 90% of women who reported sex with police reported any uniformed or non-uniformed police had paid for sex. Between 72 and 85% had been solicited for paid sex by uniformed police. Between 41 and 50% of women who reported recent sex with police indicated they had done so because they feared arrest otherwise; one-third were directly pressured for sex by police to avoid arrest or trouble. In the final adjusted model, severe food insecurity [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-3.71], Black race (vs. white, non-Hispanic; aOR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.13-3.17), recent arrest (aOR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.01-2.27), nonfatal overdose (aOR = 1.94; 95% CI 1.24-3.01), and client- or non-paying intimate partner-perpetrated violence (aOR = 2.46; 95% CI 1.63-3.71) were significantly independently associated with recent sex with police. CONCLUSIONS Sexual encounters between WES and police in Baltimore are common and often coerced to avoid arrest in a setting where both drug use and sex work are criminalized. Recent sex with police was more prevalent among WES who were racially marginalized, highly structurally vulnerable, and/or at high risk for drug overdose-and therefore subject to the dual-criminalization of sex work and drug use. This indicates deep power imbalances and their exploitation by police as the root of such sexual encounters and adds to the evidence regarding the need for decriminalization to support the health and wellbeing of WES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Friedman Nestadt
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Kristin E. Schneider
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Catherine Tomko
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Susan G. Sherman
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
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Aristegui I, Castro Avila J, Villes V, Delabre RM, Orellano G, Aguilera M, Romero M, Riegel L, Kretzer L, Cardozo N, Radusky PD, Rojas Castro D. Female sex workers and police violence during the Covid-19 health crisis in 2020-2021: results from the EPIC multi-country community-based research program in Argentina. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:139. [PMID: 36503497 PMCID: PMC9742027 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00714-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female sex workers (FSW) have been disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Data show increases of police violence toward key populations (KP), likely a consequence of their role in enforcing health government measures. This study aimed to identify factors associated with police violence experienced by FSW during the Covid-19 crisis in Argentina. METHODS EPIC is a multi-country, cross-sectional, community-based research program evaluating the impact of Covid-19 among KP. In Argentina, the study was conducted in collaboration with FSW community-based organizations (CBO). Participants completed an online survey (October 2020-April 2021). Police violence was measured as having experienced episodes of violence (physical, verbal, psychological or sexual) by security forces since the start of the health crisis. Factors associated with police violence were assessed in logistic regression models. RESULTS Among 173 respondents, median age was 34 [IQR 27-42], 39.3% were transgender women (TW), 78.1% declared sex work as their only income and 71.7% mentioned their financial situation has deteriorated with the health crisis. Nearly half of FSW (44.5%) reported experiencing police violence within the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, and among them, 76.6% declared more frequent violence episodes since the beginning of the health crisis. After adjustment for age, being a TW (aOR [95% CI] = 2.71 [1.21;6.05]), reporting non-injection drug use (2.92 [1.02;8.36]), having a considerably deteriorated financial situation (3.67 [1.47;9.21]), having had a consultation with a CBO worker for medical care/treatments (5.56 [2.15;14.37]) and declaring fear or experiences of discrimination by physicians/other health workers (2.97 [1.21;7.29]), since the beginning of the Covid-19 health crisis, were independently associated with police violence. CONCLUSIONS FSW in Argentina have experienced an increase in police violence since the beginning of the health crisis. Belonging to multiple KP (FSW, TW, people who use drugs) increases the likelihood of experiencing police violence, highlighting the need of an intersectional approach to develop interventions to reduce stigma and violence against FSW. CBOs have provided essential support and services during the crisis to FSWs, and other KPs, who may have avoided traditional healthcare structures due to fear or experiences of discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Aristegui
- grid.491017.a0000 0004 7664 5892Fundación Huésped, Research Department, Dr. Carlos Gianantonio 3932, C1202ABB Buenos Aires, Argentina ,grid.441624.10000 0001 1954 9157Department of Research in Psychology, Universidad de Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J. Castro Avila
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
| | - V. Villes
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
| | - R. M. Delabre
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
| | - G. Orellano
- Asociación de Mujeres Meretrices de Argentina (AMMAR), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M. Aguilera
- Asociación de Travestis Transexuales y Transgénero de Argentina (ATTTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M. Romero
- Asociación de Travestis Transexuales y Transgénero de Argentina (ATTTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L. Riegel
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
| | - L. Kretzer
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
| | - N. Cardozo
- grid.491017.a0000 0004 7664 5892Fundación Huésped, Research Department, Dr. Carlos Gianantonio 3932, C1202ABB Buenos Aires, Argentina ,Asociación de Travestis Transexuales y Transgénero de Argentina (ATTTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - P. D. Radusky
- grid.491017.a0000 0004 7664 5892Fundación Huésped, Research Department, Dr. Carlos Gianantonio 3932, C1202ABB Buenos Aires, Argentina ,grid.7345.50000 0001 0056 1981Faculty of Psychology, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D. Rojas Castro
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France ,grid.5399.60000 0001 2176 4817Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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Morando N, Vrbová E, Melgar A, Rabinovich RD, Šmajs D, Pando MA. High frequency of Nichols-like strains and increased levels of macrolide resistance in Treponema pallidum in clinical samples from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16339. [PMID: 36175452 PMCID: PMC9522787 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20410-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, 94% of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (TPA) clinical strains belong to the SS14-like group and 6% to the Nichols-like group, with a prevalence of macrolide resistance of 90%. Our goal was to determine whether local TPA strain distribution and macrolide resistance frequency have changed significantly since our last report, which revealed that Buenos Aires had a high frequency of Nichols-like strains (27%) and low levels of macrolide resistance (14%). Swab samples from patients with suspected syphilis were collected during 2015–2019 and loci TP0136, TP0548, TP0705 were sequenced in order to perform multilocus sequence typing. Strains were classified as Nichols-like or SS14-like. The presence of macrolide resistance-associated mutations was determined by examination of the 23S rDNA gene sequence. Of 46 typeable samples, 37% were classified as Nichols-like and 63% as SS14-like. Macrolide resistance prevalence was 45.7%. Seven allelic profiles were found, five were SS14-like and two were Nichols-like. The frequency of Nichols-like strains increased between studies (26.8% vs. 37%, p = 0.36). A dramatic increase was found in the frequency of macrolide resistant strains between studies (14.3% vs. 45.7%, p = 0.005). Our results are in agreement with international trends and underscore the need to pursue further TPA molecular typing studies in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Morando
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eliška Vrbová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Asunta Melgar
- Programa de Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual (PETS), Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roberto Daniel Rabinovich
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - David Šmajs
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - María A Pando
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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6
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Rocha-Jiménez T, Morales-Miranda S, Fernández-Casanueva C, Silverman JG, Zúñiga ML, Goldenberg SM, Crespo N, Brouwer KC. Migration and Mobility: Correlates of Recent HIV Testing Among Substance Using Female Sex Workers at the Mexico-Guatemala Border. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1467-1476. [PMID: 34982320 PMCID: PMC9001206 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03501-8] [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] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this paper is to determine the association between traveling to engage in sex work in another country and recent access to HIV testing among substance-using female sex workers (FSWs) in the Mexico-Guatemala border region. From 2012 to 2015, through modified time-location sampling and peer referral, 255 FSWs were recruited at Mexico's southern border. Participants completed questionnaires on sociodemographics, migration and mobility experiences, work environment factors, and substance use. A conceptual framework, as depicted by a directed acyclic graph (DAG), guided our analysis. Crude and adjusted logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationships between mobility experiences and HIV testing in the past year. Overall HIV testing was low (41%); after considering relevant covariates (i.e., interaction with health services and organizations, and sex work characteristics) traveling to engage in sex work in another country was found to be positively associated with HIV testing in the past year. Future efforts need to consider voluntary and non-stigmatizing prevention HIV services and focus on reaching out to less mobile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresita Rocha-Jiménez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Society and Health Research Center, Faculty of Humanities, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Carmen Fernández-Casanueva
- Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores en Antropología Social CIESAS, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas Mexico
| | - Jay G. Silverman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | | | - Shira M. Goldenberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Diego State, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Noe Crespo
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Kimberly C. Brouwer
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
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7
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Herpai N, Lazarus L, Forget E, Balakireva O, Pavlova D, McClarty L, Lorway R, Pickles M, Isac S, Sandstrom P, Aral S, Mishra S, Ma H, Blanchard J, Becker M, On Behalf Of The Dynamics Study Team. Exploring the dynamics of workplace typologies for sex workers in Eastern Ukraine. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:2034-2053. [PMID: 34403303 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1965180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We examine the typologies of workplaces for sex workers in Dnipro, Ukraine as part of the larger Dynamics Study, which explores the influence of conflict on sex work. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 560 women from September 2017 to October 2018. The results of our study demonstrate a diverse sex work environment with heterogeneity across workplace typologies in terms of remuneration, workload, and safety. Women working in higher prestige typologies earned a higher hourly wage, however client volume also varied which resulted in comparable monthly earnings from sex work across almost all workplace types. While sex workers in Dnipro earn a higher monthly wage than the city mean, they also report experiencing high rates of violence and a lack of personal safety at work. Sex workers in all workplaces, with the exception of those working in art clubs, experienced physical and sexual violence perpetrated by law enforcement officers and sex partners. By understanding more about sex work workplaces, programmes may be better tailored to meet the needs of sex workers and respond to changing work environments due to ongoing conflict and COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Herpai
- Institute for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Lisa Lazarus
- Institute for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Evelyn Forget
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Olga Balakireva
- Institute for Economics and Forecasting, Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences, Kyiv, Ukraine.,Ukrainian Institute for Social Research after Olexander Yaremenko, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Daria Pavlova
- Ukrainian Institute for Social Research after Olexander Yaremenko, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Leigh McClarty
- Institute for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Robert Lorway
- Institute for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Michael Pickles
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Paul Sandstrom
- National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sevgi Aral
- Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sharmistha Mishra
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Huiting Ma
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - James Blanchard
- Institute for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Marissa Becker
- Institute for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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8
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Blumer N, Pfadenhauer LM, Burns J. Access to HIV-prevention in female sex workers in Ukraine between 2009 and 2017: Coverage, barriers and facilitators. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250024. [PMID: 33861784 PMCID: PMC8051789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The provision of comprehensive prevention services is vital for reducing the high burden of HIV amongst Ukrainian female sex workers (FSWs). To identify barriers and facilitators that influence access to HIV prevention amongst this population between 2009 and 2017, we developed a literature-informed conceptual framework and conducted a document analysis to identify the components of the Ukrainian prevention package (PP). Using the Integrated Bio Behavioural Surveillance Surveys, we then conducted descriptive analyses to explore PP coverage from 2009 to 2017 and the influence of factors, identified by our conceptual framework. After increasing over four years, a drop in PP coverage was observed from 2013 onwards. Being a client of a non-governmental organisation, street and highway solicitation, non-condom use, and knowledge of HIV may influence access to HIV prevention in the Ukrainian context. Future interventions should consider barriers and facilitators to HIV prevention and the multiple structural levels on which they operate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Blumer
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology – IBE, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health Munich, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Lisa M. Pfadenhauer
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology – IBE, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jacob Burns
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology – IBE, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health Munich, Munich, Germany
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McCann J, Crawford G, Hallett J. Sex Worker Health Outcomes in High-Income Countries of Varied Regulatory Environments: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18083956. [PMID: 33918688 PMCID: PMC8070506 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18083956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
There is significant debate regarding the regulation of the sex industry, with a complex range of cultural, political and social factors influencing regulatory models which vary considerably between and within countries. This systematic review examined the available evidence on the relationship between different approaches to sex industry regulation in high-income countries, and associated effects on sex worker health status. Objectives included identification of sex worker health outcomes, including sexual health, substance use and experience of stigma and violence. A search was performed electronically in eight scholarly databases which yielded 95 articles which met the criteria for inclusion. Findings suggested that sex workers in legalised and decriminalized countries demonstrated greater health outcomes, including awareness of health conditions and risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica McCann
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; (G.C.); (J.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Gemma Crawford
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; (G.C.); (J.H.)
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Jonathan Hallett
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; (G.C.); (J.H.)
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
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10
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Argento E, Goldenberg S, Braschel M, Machat S, Strathdee SA, Shannon K. The impact of end-demand legislation on sex workers' access to health and sex worker-led services: A community-based prospective cohort study in Canada. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0225783. [PMID: 32251452 PMCID: PMC7135091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following a global wave of end-demand criminalization of sex work, the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (PCEPA) was implemented in Canada, which has implications for the health and safety of sex workers. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the PCEPA on sex workers' access to health, violence, and sex worker-led services. METHODS Longitudinal data were drawn from a community-based cohort of ~900 cis and trans women sex workers in Vancouver, Canada. Multivariable logistic regression examined the independent effect of the post-PCEPA period (2015-2017) versus the pre-PCEPA period (2010-2013) on time-updated measures of sex workers' access to health, violence supports, and sex worker/community-led services. RESULTS The PCEPA was independently correlated with reduced odds of having access to health services when needed (AOR 0.59; 95%CI: 0.45-0.78) and community-led services (AOR 0.77; 95%CI: 0.62-0.95). Among sex workers who experienced physical violence/sexual violence or trauma, there was no significant difference in access to counseling supports post-PCEPA (AOR 1.24; 95%CI: 0.93-1.64). CONCLUSION Sex workers experienced significantly reduced access to critical health and sex worker/community-led services following implementation of the new laws. Findings suggest end-demand laws may exacerbate and reproduce harms of previous criminalized approaches to sex work in Canada. This study is one of the first globally to evaluate the impact of end-demand approaches to sex work. There is a critical evidence-based need to move away from criminalization of sex work worldwide to ensure full labor and human rights for sex workers. Findings warn against adopting end-demand approaches in other cities or jurisdictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Argento
- Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shira Goldenberg
- Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melissa Braschel
- Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sylvia Machat
- Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Steffanie A. Strathdee
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Kate Shannon
- Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Decker MR, Park JN, Allen ST, Silberzahn B, Footer K, Huettner S, Galai N, Sherman SG. Inconsistent Condom Use Among Female Sex Workers: Partner-specific Influences of Substance Use, Violence, and Condom Coercion. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:762-774. [PMID: 31254189 PMCID: PMC10132468 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Female sex workers (FSWs) are disproportionately affected by HIV. Inconsistent condom use (ICU) represents the most proximal risk for acquisition and transmission. We evaluate associations of partner-specific factors including physical and sexual violence, coercion, and substance use with ICU with clients and regular non-paying partners, respectively, among FSWs. Baseline survey data from a prospective cohort of 250 street-based FSW in Baltimore, Maryland, USA included partner-level drug and alcohol use, violence, condom coercion and ICU, in addition to individual and structural exposures. Logistic regression analyses were stratified by partner type, followed by path analysis where indicated. Within client and regular non-paying partnerships, FSWs reported prevalent recent violence (34.8%, 16%, respectively), condom coercion (42.4%, 9.9%, respectively) and ICU (39.2%, 44.4%, respectively). Recent physical or sexual violence enabled coercive condom negotiation (AORclient 8.22, 95% CI 4.30, 15.73; AORnonpayingpartner 3.01 95% CI 1.05, 8.63). ICU with clients was associated with client condom coercion (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.03, 3.02), and client intoxication during sex (AOR 2.25, 95% CI 1.13, 4.45). In path analysis of client-FSW partnerships, condom coercion fully mediated the influences of both sex worker intoxication and recent violence on ICU. ICU with non-paying partners was associated with FSW intoxication during sex (AOR 8.66, 95% CI 3.73, 20.10), and past-year police violence (AOR 2.92, 1.30, 6.57). Partner-level substance use and gendered power differentials influenced FSWs' ICU patterns differently by partner type. ICU with clients was rooted solely in partner factors, and coercive condom negotiation mediated the roles of violence and partner-level substance use on ICU. By contrast, ICU with non-paying partners was rooted in partner-level substance use and police violence as a structural determinant. Addressing HIV risk behavior for FSWs requires condom promotion efforts tailored to partner type that addresses power differentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele R Decker
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. .,Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Ju Nyeong Park
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sean T Allen
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Bradley Silberzahn
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Katherine Footer
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Steven Huettner
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Noya Galai
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Susan G Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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12
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Lyons CE, Schwartz SR, Murray SM, Shannon K, Diouf D, Mothopeng T, Kouanda S, Simplice A, Kouame A, Mnisi Z, Tamoufe U, Phaswana-Mafuya N, Cham B, Drame FM, Aliu Djaló M, Baral S. The role of sex work laws and stigmas in increasing HIV risks among sex workers. Nat Commun 2020; 11:773. [PMID: 32071298 PMCID: PMC7028952 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14593-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally HIV incidence is slowing, however HIV epidemics among sex workers are stable or increasing in many settings. While laws governing sex work are considered structural determinants of HIV, individual-level data assessing this relationship are limited. In this study, individual-level data are used to assess the relationships of sex work laws and stigmas in increasing HIV risk among female sex workers, and examine the mechanisms by which stigma affects HIV across diverse legal contexts in countries across sub-Saharan Africa. Interviewer-administered socio-behavioral questionnaires and biological testing were conducted with 7259 female sex workers between 2011-2018 across 10 sub-Saharan African countries. These data suggest that increasingly punitive and non-protective laws are associated with prevalent HIV infection and that stigmas and sex work laws may synergistically increase HIV risks. Taken together, these data highlight the fundamental role of evidence-based and human-rights affirming policies towards sex work as part of an effective HIV response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E Lyons
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Sheree R Schwartz
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sarah M Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Hampton House 624 N. Broadway 8th Floor, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kate Shannon
- Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity, University of British Columbia, 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daouda Diouf
- Enda Santé, Senegal, 56 Cité Comico VDN, B.P, 3370, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Seni Kouanda
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Institut Africain de Santé Publique, 12 BP 199, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Abo Kouame
- Ministère de la Sante et de l'Hygiène Publique, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Zandile Mnisi
- Health Research Department, Strategic Information Division, Ministry of Health, Cooper Centre Office 106, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Ubald Tamoufe
- Metabiota. Avenue Mvog-Fouda Ada, Av 1.085, Carrefour Intendance BP, 15939, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Nancy Phaswana-Mafuya
- DVC Research and Innovation Office, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001 Potchefstroom, 2520, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Bai Cham
- Actionaid, Banjul The Gambia, MDI Road, Kanifing South PMB 450, Serrekunda PO Box 725, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Fatou M Drame
- Enda Santé, Senegal, 56 Cité Comico VDN, B.P, 3370, Dakar, Senegal
- Gaston Berger University, Department of Geography, School of Social Sciences. BP: 234 - Saint-Louis, Nationale 2, route de Ngallèle, St. Louis, Senegal
| | - Mamadú Aliu Djaló
- Enda Santé, Guiné-Bissau. Bairro Santa Luzia, Rua s/n, CP 1041, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Stefan Baral
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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13
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Viral hepatitis and Treponema pallidum prevalence in persons who underwent premarital blood tests in Argentina. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9611. [PMID: 31270342 PMCID: PMC6610102 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45891-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of different serological markers of hepatitis A, B and C viruses and Treponema pallidum among the adult population of Argentina. To achieve this, adults who attended health services for premarital exams (which are mandatory and includes screening for syphilis) were recruited. A cross-sectional study was designed with a cluster sampling strategy. Couples who attended selected health services for premarital screening between 2013 and 2014 in Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Mendoza and Santa Fe provinces were included. A total of 3833 individuals were recruited. Anti-HAV prevalence was 63.9%, anti-HCV 0.3%, anti-HBc (without HBsAg) 1.9%, HBsAg 0.3%, and T pallidum 0.8%. Anti-HAV was higher among older participants, foreigners and those from the lower strata. HBV increased with age and was higher among foreigners and those with lower formal educational level. Anti-HCV frequency increased with age. Premarital screening of viral hepatitis could constitute an instance of diagnosis, vaccination and inclusion in care of those in need. Results from this study will allow the national hepatitis programs to design public policies in order to diminish the impact of these infections on the population.
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14
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Eilami O, Nazari A, Dousti M, Sayehmiri F, Ghasemi M. Investigation of HIV/AIDS prevalence and associated risk factors among female sex workers from 2010 to 2017: a meta-analysis study. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2019; 11:105-117. [PMID: 31191036 PMCID: PMC6529623 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s196085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Female sex workers (FSW) are highly at risk of HIV, and can potentially transmit the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in different societies. Study design: The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and associated risk factors among FSW between 2010 and 2017 using a systematic literature review and meta-analysis approach. Methods: International databases were searched, including ISI Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus. Using the appropriate keywords, relevant studies published on the HIV/AIDS prevalence among FSW between 2010 and 2017 were identified. Afterwards, the information was extracted and analyzed by STATA version 14. Results: Thirty-seven studies were found eligible for inclusion in this research, encompassing a total of 46,657 subjects. The results revealed that the global prevalence of HIV/AIDS among FSW was 2.17 (95% CI=1.37-3.14). Conclusion: These findings demonstrated the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among FSWs worldwide. Accordingly, strict educational and interventional programs should be implemented globally to reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence among this group, as well as to prevent probable HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owrang Eilami
- Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Ali Nazari
- Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Majid Dousti
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Fars, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sayehmiri
- Student Research Committee, Proteomics Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghasemi
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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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: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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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16
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Associations between sex work laws and sex workers' health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative and qualitative studies. PLoS Med 2018; 15:e1002680. [PMID: 30532209 PMCID: PMC6289426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex workers are at disproportionate risk of violence and sexual and emotional ill health, harms that have been linked to the criminalisation of sex work. We synthesised evidence on the extent to which sex work laws and policing practices affect sex workers' safety, health, and access to services, and the pathways through which these effects occur. METHODS AND FINDINGS We searched bibliographic databases between 1 January 1990 and 9 May 2018 for qualitative and quantitative research involving sex workers of all genders and terms relating to legislation, police, and health. We operationalised categories of lawful and unlawful police repression of sex workers or their clients, including criminal and administrative penalties. We included quantitative studies that measured associations between policing and outcomes of violence, health, and access to services, and qualitative studies that explored related pathways. We conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the average effect of experiencing sexual/physical violence, HIV or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and condomless sex, among individuals exposed to repressive policing compared to those unexposed. Qualitative studies were synthesised iteratively, inductively, and thematically. We reviewed 40 quantitative and 94 qualitative studies. Repressive policing of sex workers was associated with increased risk of sexual/physical violence from clients or other parties (odds ratio [OR] 2.99, 95% CI 1.96-4.57), HIV/STI (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.60-2.19), and condomless sex (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.03-1.94). The qualitative synthesis identified diverse forms of police violence and abuses of power, including arbitrary arrest, bribery and extortion, physical and sexual violence, failure to provide access to justice, and forced HIV testing. It showed that in contexts of criminalisation, the threat and enactment of police harassment and arrest of sex workers or their clients displaced sex workers into isolated work locations, disrupting peer support networks and service access, and limiting risk reduction opportunities. It discouraged sex workers from carrying condoms and exacerbated existing inequalities experienced by transgender, migrant, and drug-using sex workers. Evidence from decriminalised settings suggests that sex workers in these settings have greater negotiating power with clients and better access to justice. Quantitative findings were limited by high heterogeneity in the meta-analysis for some outcomes and insufficient data to conduct meta-analyses for others, as well as variable sample size and study quality. Few studies reported whether arrest was related to sex work or another offence, limiting our ability to assess the associations between sex work criminalisation and outcomes relative to other penalties or abuses of police power, and all studies were observational, prohibiting any causal inference. Few studies included trans- and cisgender male sex workers, and little evidence related to emotional health and access to healthcare beyond HIV/STI testing. CONCLUSIONS Together, the qualitative and quantitative evidence demonstrate the extensive harms associated with criminalisation of sex work, including laws and enforcement targeting the sale and purchase of sex, and activities relating to sex work organisation. There is an urgent need to reform sex-work-related laws and institutional practices so as to reduce harms and barriers to the realisation of health.
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17
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Hendrickson ZM, Leddy AM, Galai N, Mbwambo JK, Likindikoki S, Kerrigan DL. Work-related mobility and experiences of gender-based violence among female sex workers in Iringa, Tanzania: a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from Project Shikamana. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e022621. [PMID: 30287609 PMCID: PMC6173250 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine how work-related mobility among female sex workers (FSWs) is associated with gender-based violence (GBV) in Iringa, Tanzania. DESIGN Cross-sectional analyses were conducted on baseline data gathered between October 2015 and April 2016 from FSWs participating in Project Shikamana, a community empowerment-based combination HIV prevention intervention. SETTING Participants were recruited for the baseline study using venue-based time-location sampling in two communities in Iringa, Tanzania. PARTICIPANTS FSWs were eligible for participation if they were 18 years or older and had exchanged sex for money within the past month. Four-hundred ninety-six FSWs participated in the baseline survey. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Any recent experience of GBV was examined by recent work-related mobility among FSWs. Any recent experience of GBV was also disaggregated by severity for analyses. All bivariate and multivariate binary and multinomial logistic regressions adjusted for intraclass correlations among women recruited from the same venues. RESULTS Forty per cent of participants experienced recent physical or sexual violence, and 30% recently experienced severe physical or sexual violence. Thirty-three per cent of participants recently exchanged sex for money outside of their district or region, and 12% were both intraregionally and inter-regionally mobile for sex work. Intraregionally and inter-regionally mobile FSWs had 1.9 times greater odds of reporting recent GBV (adjusted OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.06 to 3.38; p=0.031) compared with non-mobile FSWs and a 2.5 times higher relative risk for recent experience of severe GBV relative to no recent GBV (relative risk ratio: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.33 to 4.74; p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS Mobility for sex work may increase FSWs' exposure to GBV, particularly more severe GBV. The vulnerability of mobile FSWs to violence, particularly severe forms, demands inclusive services that are accessible to mobile FSWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoé Mistrale Hendrickson
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anna M Leddy
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of HIV, ID, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Noya Galai
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of Haifa, Mt Carmel, Israel
| | - Jessie K Mbwambo
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Samuel Likindikoki
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Deanna L Kerrigan
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Sociology, American University, Washington, DC, USA
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18
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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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19
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Berger BO, Grosso A, Adams D, Ketende S, Sithole B, Mabuza XS, Mavimbela MJ, Baral S. The Prevalence and Correlates of Physical and Sexual Violence Affecting Female Sex Workers in Swaziland. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2018; 33:2745-2766. [PMID: 26872508 DOI: 10.1177/0886260516629385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
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.
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McMillan K, Worth H, Rawstorne P. Usage of the Terms Prostitution, Sex Work, Transactional Sex, and Survival Sex: Their Utility in HIV Prevention Research. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:1517-1527. [PMID: 29305773 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-017-1140-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This article considers the terms prostitution, sex work, transactional sex, and survival sex, the logic of their deployment and utility to research concerned with people who are paid for sex, and HIV. The various names for paid sex in HIV research are invested in strategically differentiated positionings of people who receive payment and emphasize varying degrees of choice. The terminologies that seek to distinguish a range of economically motivated paid sex practices from sex work are characterized by an emphasis on the local and the particular, efforts to evade the stigma attached to the labels sex worker and prostitute, and an analytic prioritizing of culture. This works to bestow cultural legitimacy on some locally specific forms of paid sex and positions those practices as artifacts of culture rather than economy. This article contends that, in HIV research in particular, it is necessary to be cognizant of ways the deployment of alternative paid sex categories relocates and reinscribes stigma elsewhere. While local identity categories may be appropriate for program implementation, a global category is necessary for planning and funding purposes and offers a purview beyond that of isolated local phenomena. We argue that "sex work" is the most useful global term for use in research into economically motivated paid sex and HIV, primarily because it positions paid sex as a matter of labor, not culture or morality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen McMillan
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.
| | - Heather Worth
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Patrick Rawstorne
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
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21
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Gallo Vaulet L, Morando N, Casco R, Melgar A, Nacher S, Rodríguez Fermepin M, Pando MA. Evaluation of the utility of a rapid test for syphilis at a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7542. [PMID: 29765114 PMCID: PMC5954144 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25941-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though syphilis can be easily diagnosed by simple and low-cost laboratory methods, it continues to be an important health problem. Rapid tests (RT) for the detection of treponemal antibodies can facilitate earlier diagnosis, access to treatment and linkage to care. The aim of this study was to analyse the usefulness of the incorporation of a RT in the detection of patients infected with T. pallidum in a sexually-transmitted disease (STD) clinic. Between March and December 2015, a syphilis RT was offered to patients who spontaneously attended the clinic. Conventional serology testing was additionally indicated to every participant. The RT for syphilis was offered to 1887 patients, of whom 31.1% agreed to get tested. VDRL test was performed in 84.0% of patients that were also tested with syphilis RT, with a significantly higher frequency observed among participants with reactive RT (94.3% vs. 79.8%, p < 0.001). These results showed that 33.7% of the participants were reactive for the RT and 27.0% were reactive for the VDRL test. Both tests were reactive in 24.9% and non-reactive in 64.3%. A high prevalence of active syphilis was detected in patients attending the clinic. The use of a syphilis RT had a positive impact, which in combination with the VDRL test increased the number of patients that were effectively diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Gallo Vaulet
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Cátedra de Microbiología Clínica, Inmunología y Virología Clínica, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica (INFIBIOC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Morando
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Casco
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Programa de Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Asunta Melgar
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Programa de Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvia Nacher
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Cátedra de Microbiología Clínica, Inmunología y Virología Clínica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Rodríguez Fermepin
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Cátedra de Microbiología Clínica, Inmunología y Virología Clínica, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica (INFIBIOC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María A Pando
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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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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23
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Duff P, Birungi J, Dobrer S, Akello M, Muzaaya G, Shannon K. Social and structural factors increase inconsistent condom use by sex workers' one-time and regular clients in Northern Uganda. AIDS Care 2017; 30:751-759. [PMID: 29067831 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2017.1394966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
While sex workers (SWs) bear the brunt of the epidemic in Uganda, there remains a dearth of empirical research on the structural drivers of HIV prevention among SWs. This study examined the drivers of inconsistent condom use by one-time and regular clients of young women SWs in Gulu, Northern Uganda. Data were drawn from the Gulu Sexual Health Study, a cross-sectional study of young SWs, aged 14 years and older (2011-2012). SWs were recruited using peer/SW-led outreach, in partnership with The AIDS Support Organization and other CBOs. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of inconsistent condom use by one-time and regular clients. In total, 84.5% of the 381 SWs servicing regular clients and 76.8% of the 393 SWs servicing one-time clients reported inconsistent client condom use. In multivariable analysis, physical/sexual violence by clients (AOR = 5.39; 95%CI 3.05-9.49), low sexual control by workers (measured by the validated Pulweritz scale) (AOR = 2.86; 95%CI 1.47-5.58), alcohol/drug use while working (AOR = 1.98; 95%CI 1.17-3.35) and migration to Gulu for sex work (AOR = 1.73; 95%CI 0.95-3.14) were positively correlated with inconsistent condom use by one-time clients. Correlates of inconsistent condom use by regular clients included: low sexual control by workers (AOR = 4.63; 95%CI 2.32-9.23); physical/sexual violence by clients (AOR = 3.48; 95%CI 1.85-6.53); police harassment (AOR = 2.57; 95%CI 1.17-5.65); and being a single mother (AOR = 2.07; 95%CI 1.09-3.93). Structural and interpersonal factors strongly influence inconsistent condom use by clients, with violence by clients and police, low sexual control by workers, migration and single-parenthood all linked to non-condom use. There is a need for peer-led structural interventions that improve access to occupational health and safety standards (e.g., violence prevention and alcohol/drug harm reduction policies/programming). Shifts away from the current punitive approaches towards SWs are integral to the success of such interventions, as they continue to undermine HIV prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Putu Duff
- a Gender and Sexual Health Initiative , British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital , Vancouver , Canada.,b Department of Medicine , University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital , Vancouver , Canada
| | | | - Sabina Dobrer
- a Gender and Sexual Health Initiative , British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital , Vancouver , Canada
| | | | | | - Kate Shannon
- a Gender and Sexual Health Initiative , British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital , Vancouver , Canada.,b Department of Medicine , University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital , Vancouver , Canada
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24
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War-Related Abduction and History of Incarceration Linked to High Burden of HIV Among Female Sex Workers in Conflict-Affected Northern Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 73:109-16. [PMID: 27096234 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sex workers (SWs) in sub-Saharan Africa face a disproportionate HIV burden and growing concerns of severe human rights violations. Given the dearth of evidence on the burden and correlates of HIV among SWs in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly within conflict-affected settings, we examined the relationship between structural determinants (eg, war-related abduction, incarceration) and HIV infection among conflict-affected SWs in Northern Uganda. DESIGN Cross-sectional community-based research study among female SWs in conflict-affected Gulu, Northern Uganda. METHODS Interview questionnaires and voluntary HIV testing were conducted with participants recruited through SW/peer-led outreach and time-location sampling from 2011 to 2012. HIV prevalence was calculated, and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent associations with HIV seroprevalence. RESULTS Of 400 SWs, 135 (33.75%) were HIV seropositive; of whom one-third were new/previously undiagnosed HIV infections. In multivariable analysis, after adjusting for age of sex work entry and education, lifetime incarceration (adjusted odds ratio: 1.93, 95% confidence interval: 1.17 to -3.20) was independently associated with HIV seroprevalence, and history of wartime abduction (adjusted odds ratio: 1.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.00 to 2.63) was marginally associated (P = 0.051). CONCLUSIONS This study documented a high rate of undiagnosed HIV infections and associations between war-related human rights violations, incarceration, and a heavy HIV burden among SWs in conflict-affected Northern Uganda. These findings highlight the serious harms of conflict and criminalization of marginalized women in sub-Saharan African contexts. SW-led interventions that address conflict experiences and policy shifts to promote a rights-based approach to HIV prevention and care remain critically needed.
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Reeves A, Steele S, Stuckler D, McKee M, Amato-Gauci A, Semenza JC. Gender violence, poverty and HIV infection risk among persons engaged in the sex industry: cross-national analysis of the political economy of sex markets in 30 European and Central Asian countries. HIV Med 2017; 18:748-755. [PMID: 28556456 PMCID: PMC6767421 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Persons engaged in the sex industry are at greater risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections than the general population. One major factor is exposure to higher levels of risky sexual activity. Expanding condom use is a critical prevention strategy, but this requires negotiation with those buying sex, which takes place in the context of cultural and economic constraints. Impoverished individuals who fear violence are more likely to forego condoms. Methods Here we tested the hypotheses that poverty and fear of violence are two structural drivers of HIV infection risk in the sex industry. Using data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Bank for 30 countries, we evaluated poverty, measured using the average income per day per person in the bottom 40% of the income distribution, and gender violence, measured using homicide rates in women and the proportion of women exposed to violence in the last 12 months and/or since age 16 years. Results We found that HIV prevalence among those in the sex industry was higher in countries where there were greater female homicide rates (β = 0.86; P = 0.018) and there was some evidence that self‐reported exposure to violence was also associated with higher HIV prevalence (β = 1.37; P = 0.043). Conversely, HIV prevalence was lower in countries where average incomes among the poorest were greater (β = −1.05; P = 0.046). Conclusions Our results are consistent with the theory that reducing poverty and exposure to violence may help reduce HIV infection risk among persons engaged in the sex industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Reeves
- International Inequalities Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.,Department of Sociology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - S Steele
- Jesus College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - D Stuckler
- Department of Sociology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - M McKee
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - A Amato-Gauci
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J C Semenza
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
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26
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Good news for sex workers in Zimbabwe: how a court order improved safety in the absence of decriminalization. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21860. [PMID: 28530034 PMCID: PMC5515058 DOI: 10.7448/ias.20.1.21860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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27
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Wanyenze RK, Musinguzi G, Kiguli J, Nuwaha F, Mujisha G, Musinguzi J, Arinaitwe J, Matovu JKB. "When they know that you are a sex worker, you will be the last person to be treated": Perceptions and experiences of female sex workers in accessing HIV services in Uganda. BMC INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS 2017; 17:11. [PMID: 28476153 PMCID: PMC5420144 DOI: 10.1186/s12914-017-0119-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background HIV prevalence among female sex workers (FSWs) in high burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa varies between 24 and 72%, however their access to HIV services remains limited. This study explored FSWs’ perspectives of the barriers and opportunities to HIV service access in Uganda. Methods The cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted between October and December 2013. Twenty-four focus group discussions were conducted with 190 FSWs in 12 districts. Data were analysed using manifest content analysis, using Atlas.ti software, based on the socio-ecological model. Results FSWs indicated that HIV services were available and these included condoms, HIV testing and treatment, and management of sexually transmitted infections. However, access to HIV services was affected by several individual, societal, structural, and policy related barriers. Individual level factors included limited awareness of some prevention services, fears, and misconceptions while societal stigma was prominent. Structural and policy level barriers included inconvenient hours of operation of the clinics, inflexible facility based distribution of condoms, interuptions in the supply of condoms and other commodities, and limited package of services with virtually no access to lubricants, HIV pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, and support following client perpetrated violence. Policies such as partner testing and involvement at antenatal care, and using only one facility for antiretroviral drug refills hindered HIV service uptake and retention in care. FSWs had major concerns with the quality of services especially discrimination and rude remarks from providers, denial or delay of services, and potential for breach of confidentiality. However, some FSWs reported positive experiences including interface with friendly providers and participated in formal and informal FSW groups, which supported them to access health services. Conclusion Despite availability of services, FSWs faced major challenges in access to services. Comprehensive multilevel interventions targeting individual, societal, structural and policy level barriers are required to increase access to HIVservices among FSWs in Uganda. Policy and institutional adjustments should emphasize quality friendly services and expanding the package of services to meet the needs of FSWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhoda K Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Geofrey Musinguzi
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Juliet Kiguli
- Department of Community Health & Behavioral Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fred Nuwaha
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Joseph K B Matovu
- Department of Community Health & Behavioral Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
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Lima FSDS, Merchán-Hamann E, Urdaneta M, Damacena GN, Szwarcwald CL. Factors associated with violence against female sex workers in ten Brazilian cities. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2017; 33:e00157815. [PMID: 28380126 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00157815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies in Brazil have focused on violence against female sex workers, a theme that has attracted researchers' attention worldwide, especially due to possible associations with HIV. The current study aims to estimate the prevalence of violence against female sex workers according to type and perpetrator and to identify associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with data on 2,523 female sex workers from ten Brazilian cities, and with the respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Prevalence of verbal violence was 59.5%, physical violence 38.1%, sexual violence 37.8%, intimate partner physical violence 25.2%, and violence by clients 11.7%. Factors associated with physical violence were age < 30 years (aOR = 2.27; 95%CI: 1.56-3.29), drug use (aOR = 2.02; 95%CI: 1.54-2.65), and price of trick ≤ BRL 29.00 or USD 9.00 (aOR = 1.51; 95%CI: 1.07-2.13). In conclusion, Brazilian female sex workers suffer a disproportional burden of violence. The identification of vulnerability factors is essential for interventions to safeguard human rights and control HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Margarita Urdaneta
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brasil
| | - Giseli Nogueira Damacena
- Instituto de Comunicação e Informação Científica e Tecnológica em Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Célia Landmann Szwarcwald
- Instituto de Comunicação e Informação Científica e Tecnológica em Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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29
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Molecular typing of Treponema pallidum isolates from Buenos Aires, Argentina: Frequent Nichols-like isolates and low levels of macrolide resistance. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172905. [PMID: 28235102 PMCID: PMC5325558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 54 clinical samples, including genital lesion swabs, whole blood and cerebrospinal fluid from patients diagnosed with syphilis were collected in 2006 and in 2013 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Treponemal DNA was detected in 43 of the analyzed samples (79.6%) and further analyzed using Sequencing-based molecular typing (SBMT) and Enhanced CDC-typing (ECDCT). By SBMT, 10 different Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (TPA) genotypes were found, of which six were related to the TPA SS14 strain, and four to the TPA Nichols strain. The 23S rRNA gene was amplified in samples isolated from 42 patients, and in six of them (14.3%), either the A2058G (four patients, 9.5%) or the A2059G (two patients, 4.8%) mutations were found. In addition to Taiwan, Madagascar and Peru, Argentina is another country where the prevalence of Nichols-like isolates (26.8%) is greater than 10%.
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30
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Reeves A, Steele S, Stuckler D, McKee M, Amato-Gauci A, Semenza JC. National sex work policy and HIV prevalence among sex workers: an ecological regression analysis of 27 European countries. Lancet HIV 2017; 4:e134-e140. [PMID: 28130026 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(16)30217-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex workers are disproportionately affected by HIV compared with the general population. Most studies of HIV risk among sex workers have focused on individual-level risk factors, with few studies assessing potential structural determinants of HIV risk. In this Article, we examine whether criminal laws around sex work are associated with HIV prevalence among female sex workers. METHOD We estimate cross-sectional, ecological regression models with data from 27 European countries on HIV prevalence among sex workers from the European Centre for Disease Control; sex-work legislation from the US State Department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices and country-specific legal documents; the rule of law and gross-domestic product per capita, adjusted for purchasing power, from the World Bank; and the prevalence of injecting drug use among sex workers. Although data from two countries include male sex workers, the numbers are so small that the findings here essentially pertain to prevalence in female sex workers. FINDINGS Countries that have legalised some aspects of sex work (n=17) have significantly lower HIV prevalence among sex workers than countries that criminalise all aspects of sex work (n=10; β=-2·09, 95% CI -0·80 to -3·37; p=0·003), even after controlling for the level of economic development (β=-1·86; p=0·038) and the proportion of sex workers who are injecting drug users (-1·93; p=0·026). We found that the relation between sex work policy and HIV among sex workers might be partly moderated by the effectiveness and fairness of enforcement, suggesting legalisation of some aspects of sex work could reduce HIV among sex workers to the greatest extent in countries where enforcement is fair and effective. INTERPRETATION Our findings suggest that the legalisation of some aspects of sex work might help reduce HIV prevalence in this high-risk group, particularly in countries where the judiciary is effective and fair. FUNDING European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Reeves
- International Inequalities Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; Department of Sociology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Sarah Steele
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Sociology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin McKee
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrew Amato-Gauci
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan C Semenza
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
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31
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Hargreaves JR, Busza J, Mushati P, Fearon E, Cowan FM. Overlapping HIV and sex-work stigma among female sex workers recruited to 14 respondent-driven sampling surveys across Zimbabwe, 2013. AIDS Care 2016; 29:675-685. [PMID: 27998178 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1268673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
HIV stigma can inhibit uptake of HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy as well as negatively affect mental health. Efforts to reduce discrimination against people living with HIV (LWH) have contributed to greater acceptance of the infection. Female sex workers (FSW) LWH may experience overlapping stigma due to both their work and HIV status, although this is poorly understood. We examined HIV and sex-work stigma experienced by FSW LWH in Zimbabwe. Using the SAPPH-IRe cluster-randomised trial baseline survey, we analysed the data from 1039 FSW self-reporting HIV. The women were recruited in 14 sites using respondent-driven sampling. We asked five questions to assess internalised and experienced stigma related to working as a sex worker, and the same questions were asked in reference to HIV. Among all FSW, 91% reported some form of sex-work stigma. This was not associated with sociodemographic or sex-work characteristics. Rates of sex-work stigma were higher than those of HIV-related stigma. For example, 38% reported being "talked badly about" for LWH compared with 77% for their involvement in sex work. Those who reported any sex-work stigma also reported experiencing more HIV stigma compared to those who did not report sex-work stigma, suggesting a layering effect. FSW in Zimbabwe experience stigma for their role as "immoral" women and this appears more prevalent than HIV stigma. As HIV stigma attenuates, other forms of social stigma associated with the disease may persist and continue to pose barriers to effective care.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Hargreaves
- a Department of Social and Environmental Health Research , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - J Busza
- b Department of Population Health , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - P Mushati
- c Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe , Harare , Zimbabwe
| | - E Fearon
- a Department of Social and Environmental Health Research , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - F M Cowan
- c Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe , Harare , Zimbabwe.,d Department of Infection and Population Health , University College London , London , UK
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Goldenberg SM, Liu V, Nguyen P, Chettiar J, Shannon K. International migration from non-endemic settings as a protective factor for HIV/STI risk among female sex workers in Vancouver, Canada. J Immigr Minor Health 2016; 17:21-8. [PMID: 24700025 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-014-0011-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Given heterogeneous evidence regarding the impacts of migration on HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs), we explored factors associated with international migration among FSWs in Vancouver, Canada. We draw on baseline questionnaire and HIV/STI testing data from a community-based cohort, AESHA, from 2010-2012. Logistic regression identified correlates of international migration. Of 650 FSWs, 163 (25.1%) were international migrants, who primarily worked in formal indoor establishments. HIV/STI prevalence was lower among migrants than Canadian-born women (5.5 vs. 25.9%). In multivariate analysis, international migration was positively associated with completing high school, supporting dependents, and paying a third party, and negatively associated with HIV, injecting drugs and inconsistent condom use with clients. Although migrants experience lower workplace harms and HIV risk than Canadian-born women, they face concerning levels of violence, police harassment, and HIV/STIs. Research exploring structural and socio-cultural factors shaping risk mitigation and migrants' access to support remains needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira M Goldenberg
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, St. Paul's Hospital, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
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George PE, Bayer AM, Garcia PJ, Perez-Lu JE, Burke JG, Coates TJ, Gorbach PM. Is Intimate Partner and Client Violence Associated with Condomless Anal Intercourse and HIV Among Male Sex Workers in Lima, Peru? AIDS Behav 2016; 20:2078-89. [PMID: 26880321 PMCID: PMC4985504 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1327-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Violence experience can increase HIV risk behaviors; however, literature is scarce on violence among male sex workers (MSWs) globally. In 2014, 210 Peruvian MSWs (median age 24.9) were interviewed about their experience of physical, emotional, and sexual violence and condom use with non-paying intimate partners and clients and were tested for HIV. Multivariable models examined relationships between violence in the past 6 months, condomless anal intercourse (CLAI) in the past 3 months and HIV infection. HIV infection (24 %), CLAI (43 %), being a violence victim (42 %) and perpetrator (39 %) were common. In separate multivariable models, being a violence victim [adjusted prevalence ratio aPR = 1.49 (95 % CI 1.09-2.03)] and perpetrator [aPR = 1.39 (1.03-1.87)] were associated with CLAI. Further, being a victim [aPR = 1.65 (1.04-2.62)] was associated with HIV infection. Violence, which was significantly associated with CLAI and HIV infection, is common among Peruvian MSWs, reinforcing the importance of violence awareness and prevention as HIV risk-reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E George
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 LeConte Ave., CHS 12-105, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Angela M Bayer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 LeConte Ave., CHS 12-105, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Epidemiology, STD, and HIV Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Patricia J Garcia
- Epidemiology, STD, and HIV Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jose E Perez-Lu
- Epidemiology, STD, and HIV Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Jessica G Burke
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Thomas J Coates
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 LeConte Ave., CHS 12-105, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Pamina M Gorbach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 LeConte Ave., CHS 12-105, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Beattie TS, Isac S, Bhattacharjee P, Javalkar P, Davey C, Raghavendra T, Nair S, Ramanaik S, Kavitha DL, Blanchard JF, Watts C, Collumbien M, Moses S, Heise L. Reducing violence and increasing condom use in the intimate partnerships of female sex workers: study protocol for Samvedana Plus, a cluster randomised controlled trial in Karnataka state, south India. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:660. [PMID: 27473180 PMCID: PMC4966746 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3356-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female sex workers (FSWs) are at increased risk of HIV and STIs compared to women in the general population, and frequently experience violence in their working and domestic lives from a variety of perpetrators, which can enhance this risk. While progress has been made in addressing violence by police and clients, little work has been done to understand and prevent violence by intimate partners (IPs) among FSW populations. METHODS Samvedana Plus is a multi-level intervention programme that works with FSWs, their IPs, the sex worker community, and the general population, and aims to reduce violence and increase consistent condom use within these 'intimate' relationships. The programme involves shifting norms around the acceptability of beating as a form of discipline, challenging gender roles that give men authority over women, and working with men and women to encourage new relationship models based on gender equity and respect. The programme will aim to cover 800 FSWs and their IPs living in 47 villages in Bagalkot district, northern Karnataka. The study is designed to assess two primary outcomes: the proportion of FSWs who report: (i) physical or sexual partner violence; and (ii) consistent condom use in their intimate relationship, within the past 6 months. The evaluation will employ a cluster-randomised controlled trial design, with 50 % of the village clusters (n = 24) randomly selected to receive the intervention for the first 24 months and the remaining 50 % (n = 23) receiving the intervention thereafter. Statisticians will be blinded to treatment arm allocation. The evaluation will use an adjusted, cluster-level intention to treat analysis, comparing outcomes in intervention and control villages at midline (12 months) and endline (24 months). The evaluation design will involve quantitative and qualitative assessments with (i) all FSWs who report an IP (ii) IPs; and process/ implementation monitoring. Baseline data collection was completed in April 2015, and endline data collection is anticipated in May 2017. CONCLUSIONS This is an innovative intervention programme that aims to address violence by IPs as part of HIV prevention programming with FSWs. Reducing violence is expected to reduce vulnerability to HIV acquisition, and help women to work and live without fear of violence. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials NCT02807259 Jun 24 2016 (retrospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara S. Beattie
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN UK
| | - Shajy Isac
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bangalore, India
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Parinita Bhattacharjee
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bangalore, India
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Calum Davey
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN UK
| | | | - Sapna Nair
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bangalore, India
| | - Satyanarayana Ramanaik
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bangalore, India
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | | | - Charlotte Watts
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN UK
| | - Martine Collumbien
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN UK
| | | | - Lori Heise
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN UK
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Policing practices as a structural determinant for HIV among sex workers: a systematic review of empirical findings. J Int AIDS Soc 2016; 19:20883. [PMID: 27435716 PMCID: PMC4951541 DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.4.20883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sex workers are disproportionately infected with HIV worldwide. Significant focus has been placed on understanding the structural determinants of HIV and designing related interventions. Although there is growing international evidence that policing is an important structural HIV determinant among sex workers, the evidence has not been systematically reviewed. Methods We conducted a systematic review of quantitative studies to examine the effects of policing on HIV and STI infection and HIV-related outcomes (condom use; syringe use; number of clients; HIV/STI testing and access) among cis and trans women sex workers. Databases included PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Sociological Abstracts, Popline, Global Health (OVID), Web of Science, IBSS, IndMed and WHOLIS. We searched for studies that included police practices as an exposure for HIV or STI infection or HIV-related outcomes. Results Of the 137 peer-reviewed articles identified for full text review, 14 were included, representing sex workers' experiences with police across five settings. Arrest was the most commonly explored measure with between 6 and 45% of sex workers reporting having ever been arrested. Sexual coercion was observed between 3 and 37% of the time and police extortion between 12 and 28% across studies. Half the studies used a single measure to capture police behaviours. Studies predominantly focused on “extra-legal policing practices,” with insufficient attention to the role of “legal enforcement activities”. All studies found an association between police behaviours and HIV or STI infection, or a related risk behaviour. Conclusions The review points to a small body of evidence that confirms policing practices as an important structural HIV determinant for sex workers, but studies lack generalizability with respect to identifying those police behaviours most relevant to women's HIV risk environment.
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Police, Law Enforcement and HIV. J Int AIDS Soc 2016. [DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.4.21260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Social Cohesion Among Sex Workers and Client Condom Refusal in a Canadian Setting: Implications for Structural and Community-Led Interventions. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:1275-83. [PMID: 26499335 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1230-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Community empowerment can be a powerful determinant of HIV risk among sex workers (SWs). This study modeled the impact of social cohesion on client condom refusal among SWs in Vancouver. Longitudinal data were drawn from a prospective cohort of SWs (2010-2013). Lippman and colleagues' Social Cohesion Scale measured SWs' connectedness (i.e., perception of mutual aid, trust, support). Multivariable logistic regression examined the independent effect of social cohesion on client condom refusal. Of 654 SWs, 22 % reported baseline client condom refusal and 34 % over 3 years. The baseline median social cohesion score was 24 (IQR 20-29, range 4-45). In the final confounding model, for every one-point increase in the social cohesion score, average odds of condom refusal decreased by 3 % (AOR 0.97; 95 % CI 0.95-0.99). Community empowerment can have a direct protective effect on HIV risk. These findings highlight the need for a legal framework that enables collectivization and SW-led efforts in the HIV response.
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Goldenberg SM, Brouwer KC, Jimenez TR, Miranda SM, Mindt MR. Enhancing the Ethical Conduct of HIV Research with Migrant Sex Workers: Human Rights, Policy, and Social Contextual Influences. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155048. [PMID: 27159157 PMCID: PMC4861265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migrant sex workers are often highly marginalized and disproportionately experience health and social inequities, including high prevalence of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and human rights violations. In recent years, research involving migrant sex workers has increased, yet many knowledge gaps remain regarding how best to protect research participant rights and welfare. Our objective was to identify key challenges and opportunities related to the responsible conduct of HIV research with migrant sex workers. METHODS Focus groups and interviews conducted with 33 female sex workers ≥18 years old at the Guatemala-Mexico border from June 2013-February 2014 were analyzed. Participants were recruited through community outreach by a local HIV prevention organization to sex work establishments such as bars, hotels, street corners, and truck stops. RESULTS Key themes influencing research engagement for migrant sex workers included researcher mistrust and fear related to research participation, rooted in the social isolation frequently faced by recent migrants; intersecting concerns related to immigration status, fear of criminalization, and compliance with sex work regulations; and perceived benefits and risks of HIV/STI testing for migrants (e.g., immigration implications, stigma) represent potential barriers and opportunities for the responsible conduct of research involving migrant sex workers. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight the intersection between the human rights vulnerabilities of migrant sex workers and barriers to research participation, including social isolation of migrants and policy/legal barriers related to immigration and sex work. Findings illustrate the need for researchers to develop population-tailored procedures to address fears related to immigration and criminalization, and to reinforce positive and non-stigmatizing relationships with migrant sex workers. Community-led efforts to reduce stigma and foster community organization and supports for migrant sex workers are recommended, as are broader policy shifts that move away from punitive legal approaches towards approaches that safeguard and prioritize the human rights of migrant sex workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira M. Goldenberg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 608–1081 Burrard Street (St. Paul's Hospital), Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- HIV Prevention Research Ethics Institute, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, 10458, United States of America
| | - Kimberly C. Brouwer
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093–0507, United States of America
| | - Teresita Rocha Jimenez
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093–0507, United States of America
| | | | - Monica Rivera Mindt
- HIV Prevention Research Ethics Institute, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, 10458, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, 10458, United States of America
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Structural Barriers to Antiretroviral Therapy Among Sex Workers Living with HIV: Findings of a Longitudinal Study in Vancouver, Canada. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:977-86. [PMID: 26148850 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1102-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In light of limited data on structural determinants of access and retention in antiretroviral therapy (ART) among sex workers, we examined structural correlates of ART use among sex workers living with HIV over time. Longitudinal data were drawn from a cohort of 646 female sex workers in Vancouver, Canada (2010-2012) and linked pharmacy records on ART dispensation. We used logistic regression with generalized estimating equations (GEE) to examine correlates of gaps in ART use (i.e., treatment interruptions or delayed ART initiation), among HIV seropositive participants (n = 74). Over a 2.5-year period, 37.8 % of participants experienced gaps in ART use (i.e., no ART dispensed in a 6-month period). In a multivariable GEE model, younger age, migration/mobility, incarceration, and non-injection drug use independently correlated with gaps in ART use. In spite of successes scaling-up ART in British Columbia, younger, mobile, or incarcerated sex workers face persistent gaps in access and retention irrespective of drug use. Community-based, tailored interventions to scale-up entry and retention in ART for sex workers should be further explored in this setting.
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Štulhofer A, Sinković M, Božić J, Baćak V. Victimization and HIV Risks Among Croatian Female Sex Workers: Exploring the Mediation Role of Depressiveness and the Moderation Role of Social Support. Violence Against Women 2016; 23:67-88. [PMID: 27020378 DOI: 10.1177/1077801216636241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
To assess the association between victimization and HIV vulnerability among Croatian female sex workers (FSWs), a survey involving 157 FSWs recruited from Croatia's two largest urban areas was conducted in 2014. A majority of participants reported direct and indirect victimization, which was found to be significantly associated with condom use at most recent noncommercial sexual intercourse and sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis in the past 12 months. The association between victimization and STI diagnosis was partially mediated by depressiveness and moderated by social support. The buffering role of social support points to the importance of including counseling services in HIV prevention programs in Croatia.
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Reed E, Erausquin JT, Groves AK, Salazar M, Biradavolu M, Blankenship KM. Client-perpetrated and husband-perpetrated violence among female sex workers in Andhra Pradesh, India: HIV/STI risk across personal and work contexts. Sex Transm Infect 2016; 92:424-9. [PMID: 26905080 PMCID: PMC4992639 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2015-052162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study examines violence experienced in work and personal contexts and relation to HIV risk factors in these contexts among female sex workers (FSW) in Andhra Pradesh, India. Methods FSW at least 18 years of age (n=2335) were recruited through three rounds of respondent-driven sampling between 2006 and 2010 for a survey on HIV risk. Using crude and adjusted logistic regression models, any sexual/physical violence (last 6 months) perpetrated by clients and husbands were separately assessed in association with accepting more money for sex without a condom (last 30 days), consistent condom use with clients and husbands (last 30 days), and sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms (last 6 months). Results The mean age among participants was 32, 22% reported being currently married, and 22% and 21% reported physical/sexual violence by clients and husbands, respectively. In adjusted logistic regression models, FSW who experienced client violence were more likely to report accepting more money for unprotected sex trades (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.7; 95% CI 1.4 to 2.2), less likely to report consistent condom use with clients (AOR=0.6; 95% CI 0.5 to 0.7) and more likely to report STI symptoms (AOR=3.5; 95% CI 2.6 to 4.6). Women who reported husband violence were more likely to report accepting more money for unprotected sex trades (AOR=2.1; 95% CI 1.2 to 3.7), less likely to report consistent condom use with clients (AOR=0.5; 95% CI 0.3 to 0.8) and more likely to report STI symptoms (AOR=2.6; 95% CI 1.6 to 4.1). Conclusions Among FSW, experiences of violence in work and personal contexts are associated with sexual HIV risk behaviours with clients as well as STI symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Reed
- Division of Global Public Health, School of Medicine: La Jolla, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - J T Erausquin
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Allison K Groves
- Department of Sociology, American University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Marissa Salazar
- Division of Global Public Health, School of Medicine: La Jolla, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Argento E, Shannon K, Nguyen P, Dobrer S, Chettiar J, Deering KN. The role of dyad-level factors in shaping sexual and drug-related HIV/STI risks among sex workers with intimate partners. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 157:166-73. [PMID: 26585612 PMCID: PMC4678956 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite high HIV burden among sex workers (SWs) globally, and relatively high prevalence of client condom use, research on potential HIV/STI risk pathways of intimate partnerships is limited. This study investigated partner/dyad-level factors associated with inconsistent condom use among SWs with intimate partners in Vancouver, Canada. METHODS Baseline data (2010-2013) were drawn from a community-based prospective cohort of women SWs. Multivariable generalized estimating equations logistic regression examined dyad-level factors associated with inconsistent condom use (<100% in last six months) with up to three male intimate partners per SW. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported (AOR[95%CI]). RESULTS Overall, 369 SWs reported having at least one intimate partner, with 70.1% reporting inconsistent condom use. Median length of partnerships was 1.8 years, with longer duration linked to inconsistent condom use. In multivariable analysis, dyad factors significantly associated with increased odds of inconsistent condom use included: having a cohabiting (5.43[2.53-11.66]) or non-cohabiting intimate partner (2.15[1.11-4.19]) (versus casual partner), providing drugs (3.04[1.47-6.30]) or financial support to an intimate partner (2.46[1.05-5.74]), physical intimate partner violence (2.20[1.17-4.12]), and an intimate partner providing physical safety (2.08[1.11-3.91]); non-injection drug use was associated with a 68% reduced odds (0.32[0.17-0.60]). CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the complex role of dyad-level factors in shaping sexual and drug-related HIV/STI risk pathways for SWs from intimate partners. Couple and gender-focused interventions efforts are needed to reduce HIV/STI risks to SWs through intimate partnerships. This research supports further calls for integrated violence and HIV prevention within broader sexual/reproductive health efforts for SWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Argento
- Gender & Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6
| | - Kate Shannon
- Gender & Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 5804 Fairview Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Paul Nguyen
- Gender & Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6; Urban Health Research Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6
| | - Sabina Dobrer
- Gender & Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6; Urban Health Research Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6
| | - Jill Chettiar
- Gender & Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 5804 Fairview Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Kathleen N Deering
- Gender & Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 5804 Fairview Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3.
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Semple SJ, Stockman JK, Pitpitan EV, Strathdee SA, Chavarin CV, Mendoza DV, Aarons GA, Patterson TL. Prevalence and Correlates of Client-Perpetrated Violence against Female Sex Workers in 13 Mexican Cities. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143317. [PMID: 26599083 PMCID: PMC4657898 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, client-perpetrated violence against female sex workers (FSWs) has been associated with multiple health-related harms, including high-risk sexual behavior and increased exposure to HIV/STIs. This study examined correlates of client-perpetrated sexual, physical, and economic violence (e.g., robbery) against FSWs in 13 cities throughout Mexico. METHODS FSWs (N = 1,089) who were enrolled in a brief, evidence-based, sexual risk reduction intervention for FSWs (Mujer Segura) were interviewed about their work context, including experiences of violence perpetrated by clients, sexual risk and substance use practices, financial need, and social supports. Three broad categories of factors (sociodemographic, work context, behavioral and social characteristics of FSWs) were examined as correlates of sexual, physical, and economic violence. RESULTS The prevalence of different types of client-perpetrated violence against FSWs in the past 6 months was: sexual (11.7%), physical (11.8%), economic (16.9%), and any violence (22.6%). Greater financial need, self-identification as a street worker, and lower perceived emotional support were independently associated with all three types of violence. Alcohol use before or during sex with clients in the past month was associated with physical and sexual violence. Using drugs before or during sex with clients, injection drug use in the past month, and population size of city were associated with sexual violence only, and FSWs' alcohol use score (AUDIT-C) was associated with economic violence only. CONCLUSIONS Correlates of client-perpetrated violence encompassed sociodemographic, work context, and behavioral and social factors, suggesting that approaches to violence prevention for FSWs must be multi-dimensional. Prevention could involve teaching FSWs strategies for risk avoidance in the workplace (e.g., avoiding use of alcohol with clients), enhancement of FSWs' community-based supports, development of interventions that deliver an anti-violence curriculum to clients, and programs to address FSWs' financial need by increasing their economic opportunities outside of the sex trade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley J. Semple
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093–0680, United States of America
| | - Jamila K. Stockman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093–0680, United States of America
| | - Eileen V. Pitpitan
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093–0507, United States of America
| | - Steffanie A. Strathdee
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093–0507, United States of America
| | - Claudia V. Chavarin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093–0680, United States of America
| | - Doroteo V. Mendoza
- Evaluation and Research Department, Mexican Foundation for Family Planning (Mexfam), Distrito Federal, 14000, Mexico
| | - Gregory A. Aarons
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093–0680, United States of America
| | - Thomas L. Patterson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093–0680, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Declines in violence and police arrest among female sex workers in Karnataka state, south India, following a comprehensive HIV prevention programme. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:20079. [PMID: 26477992 PMCID: PMC4609649 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.20079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Female sex workers (FSWs) frequently experience violence, harassment and arrest by the police or their clients, but there is little evidence as to the impact that such factors may have on HIV risk or whether community interventions could mitigate this impact. Methods As part of the evaluation of the Avahan programme in Karnataka, serial integrated behavioural and biological assessment (IBBA) surveys (four districts) (2005 to 2011) and anonymous polling booth surveys (PBS) (16 districts) (2007 to 2011) were conducted with random samples of FSWs. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess 1) changes in reported violence and arrests over time and 2) associations between violence by non-partners and police arrest and HIV/STI risk and prevalence. Mediation analysis was used to identify mediating factors. Results 5,792 FSWs participated in the IBBAs and 15,813 participated in the PBS. Over time, there were significant reductions in the percentages of FSWs reporting being raped in the past year (PBS) (30.0% in 2007, 10.0% in 2011, p<0.001), being arrested in the past year [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.57 (0.35, 0.93), p=0.025] and being beaten in the past six months by a non-partner (clients, police, pimps, strangers, rowdies) [AOR 0.69 (0.49, 0.95), p=0.024)] (IBBA). The proportion drinking alcohol (during the past week) also fell significantly (32.5% in 2005, 24.9% in 2008, 16.8% in 2011; p<0.001). Violence by non-partners (being raped in the past year and/or beaten in the past six months) and being arrested in the past year were both strongly associated with HIV infection [AOR 1.59 (1.18, 2.15), p=0.002; AOR 1.91 (1.17, 3.12), p=0.01, respectively]. They were also associated with drinking alcohol (during the past week) [AOR 1.98 (1.54, 2.53), p<0.001; AOR 2.79 (1.93, 4.04), p<0.001, respectively], reduced condom self-efficacy with clients [AOR 0.36 (0.27, 0.47), p<0.001; AOR 0.62 (0.39, 0.98), p=0.039, respectively], symptomatic STI (during the past year) [AOR 2.62 (2.07, 3.30), p<0.001; AOR 2.17 (1.51, 3.13), p<0.001, respectively], gonorrhoea infection [AOR 2.79 (1.51, 5.15), p=0.001; AOR 2.69 (0.96, 7.56), p=0.060, respectively] and syphilis infection [AOR 1.86 (1.04, 3.31), p=0.036; AOR 3.35 (1.78, 6.28), p<0.001, respectively], but not with exposure to peer education, community mobilization or HIV testing uptake. Mediation analysis suggests that alcohol use and STIs may partially mediate the association between violence or arrests and HIV prevalence. Discussion Violence by non-partners and arrest are both strongly associated with HIV infection among FSWs. Large-scale, comprehensive HIV prevention programming can reduce violence, arrests and HIV/STI infection among FSWs.
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Declines in violence and police arrest among female sex workers in Karnataka state, south India, following a comprehensive HIV prevention programme. J Int AIDS Soc 2015. [PMID: 26477992 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.2007920079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Female sex workers (FSWs) frequently experience violence, harassment and arrest by the police or their clients, but there is little evidence as to the impact that such factors may have on HIV risk or whether community interventions could mitigate this impact. METHODS As part of the evaluation of the Avahan programme in Karnataka, serial integrated behavioural and biological assessment (IBBA) surveys (four districts) (2005 to 2011) and anonymous polling booth surveys (PBS) (16 districts) (2007 to 2011) were conducted with random samples of FSWs. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess 1) changes in reported violence and arrests over time and 2) associations between violence by non-partners and police arrest and HIV/STI risk and prevalence. Mediation analysis was used to identify mediating factors. RESULTS 5,792 FSWs participated in the IBBAs and 15,813 participated in the PBS. Over time, there were significant reductions in the percentages of FSWs reporting being raped in the past year (PBS) (30.0% in 2007, 10.0% in 2011, p<0.001), being arrested in the past year [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.57 (0.35, 0.93), p=0.025] and being beaten in the past six months by a non-partner (clients, police, pimps, strangers, rowdies) [AOR 0.69 (0.49, 0.95), p=0.024)] (IBBA). The proportion drinking alcohol (during the past week) also fell significantly (32.5% in 2005, 24.9% in 2008, 16.8% in 2011; p<0.001). Violence by non-partners (being raped in the past year and/or beaten in the past six months) and being arrested in the past year were both strongly associated with HIV infection [AOR 1.59 (1.18, 2.15), p=0.002; AOR 1.91 (1.17, 3.12), p=0.01, respectively]. They were also associated with drinking alcohol (during the past week) [AOR 1.98 (1.54, 2.53), p<0.001; AOR 2.79 (1.93, 4.04), p<0.001, respectively], reduced condom self-efficacy with clients [AOR 0.36 (0.27, 0.47), p<0.001; AOR 0.62 (0.39, 0.98), p=0.039, respectively], symptomatic STI (during the past year) [AOR 2.62 (2.07, 3.30), p<0.001; AOR 2.17 (1.51, 3.13), p<0.001, respectively], gonorrhoea infection [AOR 2.79 (1.51, 5.15), p=0.001; AOR 2.69 (0.96, 7.56), p=0.060, respectively] and syphilis infection [AOR 1.86 (1.04, 3.31), p=0.036; AOR 3.35 (1.78, 6.28), p<0.001, respectively], but not with exposure to peer education, community mobilization or HIV testing uptake. Mediation analysis suggests that alcohol use and STIs may partially mediate the association between violence or arrests and HIV prevalence. DISCUSSION Violence by non-partners and arrest are both strongly associated with HIV infection among FSWs. Large-scale, comprehensive HIV prevention programming can reduce violence, arrests and HIV/STI infection among FSWs.
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Abstract
In light of the emphasis on enforcement-based approaches towards sex work, and the well-known negative impacts of these approaches on women's health, safety and well-being, we conducted a study to investigate the prevalence and correlates of recent incarceration among a cohort of women sex workers in Vancouver, Canada. Data were obtained from an open prospective community cohort of female and transgender women sex workers, known as An Evaluation of Sex Workers' Health Access (AESHA). Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses, using generalized estimating equations (GEE), were used to model the effect of social and structural factors on the likelihood of incarceration over the 44-month follow-up period (January 2010-August 2013). Among 720 sex workers, 62.5 % (n = 450) reported being incarcerated in their lifetime and 23.9 % (n = 172) being incarcerated at least once during the study period. Of the 172 participants, about one third (36.6 %) reported multiple episodes of incarceration. In multivariable GEE analyses, younger age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.04 per year younger, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.06), being of a sexual/gender minority (AOR = 1.62, 95 % CI 1.13-2.34), heavy drinking (AOR = 1.99, 95 % CI 1.20-3.29), being born in Canada (AOR = 3.28, 95 % CI 1.26-8.53), living in unstable housing conditions (AOR = 4.32, 95 % CI 2.17-8.62), servicing clients in public spaces (versus formal sex work establishments) (AOR = 2.33, 95 % CI 1.05-5.17) and experiencing police harassment without arrest (AOR = 1.82, 95 % CI 1.35-2.45) remain independently correlated with incarceration. This prospective study found a very high prevalence and frequency of incarceration among women sex workers in Vancouver, Canada, with the most vulnerable and marginalized women at increased risk of incarceration. Given the well-known social and health harms associated with incarceration, and associations between police harassment and incarceration in this study, our findings further add to growing calls to move away from criminalized and enforcement-based approaches to sex work in Canada and globally.
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Prevalence of rape and client-initiated gender-based violence among female sex workers: Kampala, Uganda, 2012. AIDS Behav 2015; 19 Suppl 1:S68-76. [PMID: 25432876 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0957-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We utilized data from the 2012 Crane Survey in Kampala, Uganda to estimate prevalence of rape among female sex workers (FSWs) and to identify risk factors for and prevalence of client-initiated gender-based violence (GBV) among FSWs. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling. Analyses were weighted using RDSAT-generated individualized weights for each of the five dependent GBV outcomes. Analyses were conducted utilizing SAS 9.3. Among 1,467 FSWs who were interviewed, 82 % (95 % CI: 79-84) experienced client-initiated GBV and 49 % (95 % CI: 47-53) had been raped at least once in their lifetime. GBV risk increased with increasing frequency of client demands for unprotected sex, length of time engaged in sex work, and FSW alcohol consumption. Risk decreased when sex with clients occurred at the FSW's or client's house or a hotel compared to when sex occurred in open spaces. Our findings demonstrate a high prevalence of GBV among FSWs. This research reinforces the urgent need for GBV prevention and response strategies to be integrated into FSW programming and the continuing need for GBV research among key populations.
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48
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Decker MR, Crago AL, Chu SKH, Sherman SG, Seshu MS, Buthelezi K, Dhaliwal M, Beyrer C. Human rights violations against sex workers: burden and effect on HIV. Lancet 2015; 385:186-99. [PMID: 25059943 PMCID: PMC4454473 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(14)60800-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We reviewed evidence from more than 800 studies and reports on the burden and HIV implications of human rights violations against sex workers. Published research documents widespread abuses of human rights perpetrated by both state and non-state actors. Such violations directly and indirectly increase HIV susceptibility, and undermine effective HIV-prevention and intervention efforts. Violations include homicide; physical and sexual violence, from law enforcement, clients, and intimate partners; unlawful arrest and detention; discrimination in accessing health services; and forced HIV testing. Abuses occur across all policy regimes, although most profoundly where sex work is criminalised through punitive law. Protection of sex workers is essential to respect, protect, and meet their human rights, and to improve their health and wellbeing. Research findings affirm the value of rights-based HIV responses for sex workers, and underscore the obligation of states to uphold the rights of this marginalised population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele R Decker
- Department of Population, Family & Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | | | - Susan G Sherman
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meena S Seshu
- Sampada Grameen Mahila Sanstha (SANGRAM), Sangli, India
| | - Kholi Buthelezi
- Sisonke Sex Workers Movement, Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mandeep Dhaliwal
- Division of HIV, Health & Development Practice UNDP, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Shannon K, Strathdee SA, Goldenberg SM, Duff P, Mwangi P, Rusakova M, Reza-Paul S, Lau J, Deering K, Pickles MR, Boily MC. Global epidemiology of HIV among female sex workers: influence of structural determinants. Lancet 2015; 385:55-71. [PMID: 25059947 PMCID: PMC4297548 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(14)60931-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 516] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Female sex workers (FSWs) bear a disproportionately large burden of HIV infection worldwide. Despite decades of research and programme activity, the epidemiology of HIV and the role that structural determinants have in mitigating or potentiating HIV epidemics and access to care for FSWs is poorly understood. We reviewed available published data for HIV prevalence and incidence, condom use, and structural determinants among this group. Only 87 (43%) of 204 unique studies reviewed explicitly examined structural determinants of HIV. Most studies were from Asia, with few from areas with a heavy burden of HIV such as sub-Saharan Africa, Russia, and eastern Europe. To further explore the potential effect of structural determinants on the course of epidemics, we used a deterministic transmission model to simulate potential HIV infections averted through structural changes in regions with concentrated and generalised epidemics, and high HIV prevalence among FSWs. This modelling suggested that elimination of sexual violence alone could avert 17% of HIV infections in Kenya (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 1-31) and 20% in Canada (95% UI 3-39) through its immediate and sustained effect on non-condom use) among FSWs and their clients in the next decade. In Kenya, scaling up of access to antiretroviral therapy among FSWs and their clients to meet WHO eligibility of a CD4 cell count of less than 500 cells per μL could avert 34% (95% UI 25-42) of infections and even modest coverage of sex worker-led outreach could avert 20% (95% UI 8-36) of infections in the next decade. Decriminalisation of sex work would have the greatest effect on the course of HIV epidemics across all settings, averting 33-46% of HIV infections in the next decade. Multipronged structural and community-led interventions are crucial to increase access to prevention and treatment and to promote human rights for FSWs worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Shannon
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | | | - Shira M Goldenberg
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Putu Duff
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Peninah Mwangi
- Bar Hostesses Empowerment and Support Program, African Sex Workers Alliance, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Kathleen Deering
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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HIV infection among female sex workers in concentrated and high prevalence epidemics: why a structural determinants framework is needed. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2014; 9:174-82. [PMID: 24464089 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews the current state of the epidemiological literature on female sex work and HIV from the past 18 months. We offer a conceptual framework for structural HIV determinants and sex work that unpacks intersecting structural, interpersonal, and individual biological and behavioural factors. RECENT FINDINGS Our review suggests that despite the heavy HIV burden among female sex workers (FSWs) globally, data on the structural determinants shaping HIV transmission dynamics have only begun to emerge. Emerging research suggests that factors operating at macrostructural (e.g., migration, stigma, criminalized laws), community organization (e.g., empowerment) and work environment levels (e.g., violence, policing, access to condoms HIV testing, HAART) act dynamically with interpersonal (e.g., dyad factors, sexual networks) and individual biological and behavioural factors to confer risks or protections for HIV transmission in female sex work. SUMMARY Future research should be guided by a Structural HIV Determinants Framework to better elucidate the complex and iterative effects of structural determinants with interpersonal and individual biological and behavioural factors on HIV transmission pathways among FSWs, and meet critical gaps in optimal access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care for FSWs globally.
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