Abstract
This study investigated the effect of implementing the act of prohibition on sex trafficking (PST) on sexually transmitted disease (STD) infections among South Korean female sex workers (FSWs) working at prostitution blocks. Research data were collected twice through the Korean government-sanctioned survey for female sex workers (1st wave = 1,083; 2nd wave = 926). We examined the associations among health behavior, working conditions, and the effect of PST act via hierarchical logistic regression analyses using propensity score matching. After adjusted covariates, the risk probability was 0.288 times lower among FSWs who had remained in prostitute blocks after the PST act enforcement compared to FSWs who had worked before the PST. Similarly, the risk probability for a gonorrhea infection was 0.219 times lower among FSWs who had remained in prostitute blocks after the PST act compared to FSWs who had worked before the PST. Therefore, this study showed that, besides already known factors, the implementation and establishment of the PST Act was a strong factor that suppressed STD infections among FSWs.
Highlights
In 2005, South Korea implemented the Act of Prohibition on Sex Trafficking (PST Act)
We investigated the effect of the implementation of the prohibition on sex trafficking (PST) Act on sexually transmitted disease (STD) infections among South Korean female sex workers (FSWs) working at prostitution blocks
Mantel-Haenszel X2 test allowing the comparison of two groups for a dichotomous/categorical response was used to compare the associations between STD infection and the time difference before and after the PST act
Summary
In 2005, South Korea implemented the Act of Prohibition on Sex Trafficking (PST Act). Establishments with full-time female sex workers (FSWs) mainly deal with sex trafficking They are densely populated in red-light districts (RLDs). In these areas, FSWs maintain their livelihood exclusively through prostitution (3,600 FSWs working at approximately 1,400 brothels). Full-time FSWs lodge at brothels, living together with other FSWs under the management of the brothel keepers for periods ranging from several months to several years Such resistance to the PST Act has given rise to two problems in terms of STD control. It has become even more difficult to calculate STD prevalence rates among FSWs. We investigated the effect of the implementation of the PST Act on STD infections among South Korean FSWs working at prostitution blocks.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
