Commercial Sex Workers Research Articles

A Case Series of Syphilis in Gender Incongruent Individuals Residing in an Urban Slum of a Metropolitan city: Are we letting down the Guard of Contact Tracing?

Introduction: In India, Sexually transmitted infections (STI) have variability in prevalence across differentsubregions and subpopulations practicing high-risk behavior (the gender incongruent individuals, commercialsex workers, truck drivers etc.). Prevalence of syphilis in gender incongruent individuals is a gray area due tostigma and discrimination associated with the diagnosis. Contact tracing is a boon in better handling the publichealth burden of STIs. The current case series is to highlight the resurgence of syphilis in gender incongruentindividuals and to underscore the importance of screening and contact tracing for the same for public good.Methods: Twenty one gender incongruent individuals testing positive for Syphilis with the Rapid Reagin Test(RPR) in a period of a year at the Malvani Urban Health Training Center (UHTC), Malvani Slum, Malad, Mumbai;were included in the study.Results: The RPR titres ranged from 1:2 to 1:64. Out of these twenty one, 4 of them were found to be HIV coinfected.They were counseled and treated according to the standard guidelines. Contacts of partners whom theyhad intercourse with, in past 3 months could not be traced, as a result of which partner management couldn’t bedone.Conclusions: Better patient awareness through counseling and incorporation of information technology can aid intackling the problem of non compliance with contact tracing. Active screening for HIV should be done in patientswith STI.

The rights of commercial sex workers in India: a critical analysis of the legislative and judicial trends

The rights of commercial sex workers in India: a critical analysis of the legislative and judicial trends

The vague perception of commercial sex work and exploitation of women: the Indian legal framework

The vague perception of commercial sex work and exploitation of women: the Indian legal framework

Reconstruction of Religious Awareness for Commercial Sex Workers Through a Humanistic Approach in “Lokalisasi Puger”-Jember Regency

Commercial sex workers (so called PSK) referred to women who have been humiliated by the public and considered social filth. Society has viewed the life of commercial sex workers (PSK) obliquely, because their lives collide with social and religious norms. The localization of Puger, Jember Regency is an isolated place which is one of the biggest prostitution places in Jember. This research used a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design. Data collection techniques using active participatory observation, semi-structured interviews and documentation. The data analysis used was a qualitative descriptive analysis with an interactive model based on Miles, Huberman and Saldana. The validity of the data uses triangulation of sources and techniques. The research findings show that the reconstruction of akidah awareness for commercial sex workers through a humanistic approach in the localization of Puger has changed sex workers to improve and change their lives for the better, sex workers need spiritual sacredness to believe in God and leave a space where God want to be institutionalized through religious practices such as prayer, zakat, fasting and reciting the Qur’an, there are several changes in the moral aspects of sex workers, including that they do not consume drugs or alcohol, do not gamble, do not disturb neighbors with karaoke noises and their shaking, do not watch porn videos and happy to help others.

EXHIBITION OF MASCULINITY AMONG MIGRANT MEN: PREDISPOSING FACTOR OF SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIOR

Masculinity has been recognized as a significant influence on risky sexual behavior. The migrant men present various sexual risk behaviors. The present study aims to explore migrant men's perspectives on the construction of masculinity and to understand their experiences and engagement in risky sexual behavior in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. This anthropological study included 14 focus group discussions with migrant men aged 18-45 years in the Commercial Market of Rawalpindi. The data were collected from the informal focus group discussions. The data were analyzed by using thematic inductive analysis presented by Clarke. The research results represent that masculine behavior among migrant men leads to risky sexual behavior. It was found that an autonomous living structure with peer groups and increased avenues of expression of sexual desire due to being away from families enhance the risky sexual behavior of migrant men. Such behaviors lead them to indulge in risky sexual practices with low-paid commercial sex workers or non-commercial partners, mostly without availing any protective measures. Furthermore, the normative behavior of migrant men, including peer pressure, economic independence, opportunity structure, and homogeneous population, were the significant factors that led to risky sexual behavior. The study suggests that such behavior remains an essential practice to conform to social expectations and norms aligned with masculinity in the Pakistani urban male population. Therefore, there is a need to address the gender norms that lead to masculine behavior among the migrant population. Keywords: masculinity, risky sexual behavior, migrant men, peer pressure, real man, hegemonic masculinity.

Knowledge and Preventive Practices Regarding COVID-19 Infection among the Female Commercial Sex Workers during the Pandemic

Knowledge and Preventive Practices Regarding COVID-19 Infection among the Female Commercial Sex Workers during the Pandemic

Contribution of sexual health services to hepatitis B detection and control (Netherlands, 2008–2016)

ObjectivesCase finding is one of the priority actions to reduce the disease burden of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We estimated the contribution of CHB case finding at sexual health centres...

‘Why blame the girls’?: Contextual factors enabling juvenile prostitution in a Ghanaian metropolis

AbstractFramed by Urie Bronfenbrenners' (1979) ecological systems theory, this paper analyses the contextual factors that facilitate commercial sex work among adolescent girls in a metropolis in Ghana. Focusing on contextual factors rather than individual perspectives, we examined the background of minors involved in sex trade by interviewing 15 juvenile prostitutes (aged 14–17) and several key stakeholders. We explored factors that cause them to engage in prostitution, such as dysfunctional family systems, peer and sibling influence, inadequate accommodation, media influence and fashionable trends, as well as poverty and survival dynamics. An innovative discovery presented in this paper is the strong presence of schools, and resultant young people, as well as tourist attractions and cultural celebrations such as festivals and funerals as drivers of juvenile prostitution in the study site. The paper concludes by recommending a multi‐sectoral approach to addressing juvenile prostitution challenges.

Prostitution Arrest Spatial Forecasting in an Era of Increasing Decriminalization

There is ongoing debate regarding the merits of decriminalization or outright legalization of commercial sex work in the United States. A few municipalities have officially legalized both the selling and purchasing of sex, while others unofficially criminalize purchasing sex but have decriminalized its sale. In addition, there are many other locales with no official guidance on the subject but have unofficially decriminalized sex work by designating specific areas in an urban landscape safe from law enforcement for commercial sex, by quietly ceasing to arrest sex sellers, or by declining to prosecute anyone selling or attempting to sell sex. Despite these efforts, it remains crucial to understand where in an urban area commercial sex exchanges occur—legalization and decriminalization may result in fewer arrests but is likely to increase the overall size of the sex market. This growth could result in an increase in sex trafficking victimization, which makes up the majority of commercial sex sellers in any domestic market. Given the distribution of prostitution activities in most communities, it is possible to use high-fidelity predictive models to identify intervention opportunities related to sex trafficking victimization. In this research, we construct several machine learning models and inform them with a range of known criminogenic factors to predict locations hosting high levels of prostitution. We demonstrate these methods in the city of Chicago, Illinois. The results of this exploratory analysis identified a range of explanatory factors driving prostitution activity throughout Chicago, and the best-performing model correctly predicted prostitution frequency with 94% accuracy. We conclude by exploring specific areas of under- and over-prediction throughout Chicago and discuss the implications of these results for allocating social support efforts.

Does asset ownership influence sexual risk-taking behaviors among women engaged in sex work in Southern Uganda? A mediation analysis

BackgroundEconomic vulnerability influences women engaged in commercial sex work (WESW) to further engage in sexual risk behaviors, as they often have multiple customers and engage in unprotected sex for financial gains. This study examined asset ownership’s direct and indirect impact on sexual risk-taking behaviors among WESW in Southern Uganda, a very vulnerable group of women at high risk for contracting HIV and other STIs.MethodologyWe used baseline data from the Kyaterekera study, an NIH-funded study among WESW aged 18–55 across 19 HIV hotspots in Southern Uganda. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the direct, indirect, and total effects of assets—defined as ownership of physical and financial resources—on sexual risk-taking behaviors among WESW.ResultsResults showed that asset ownership was associated with a decrease in depression (β = − 0.096 [95% CI − 0.191, − 0.001], p = 0.050) and increased access to medical care (β = 0.174 [95% CI 0.072, 0.275], p = 0.001).We also found that an increase in access to medical care was associated with decreased sexual risk-taking behaviors (β = − 0.107 [95% CI − 0.210, − 0.004], p = 0.041). We observed a specific indirect effect between assets and sexual risk-taking behaviors through access to medical care (β = − 0.019 [95% CI − 0.040, − 0.002], p = 0.05). Mediation contributed 31% of the total effects of asset ownership on sexual risk-taking behaviors.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is among the few studies to examine the impact of asset ownership on sexual risk-taking behaviors among WESW in Southern Uganda. Findings from this study indicate that increasing access to economic resources may reduce the risk of WESW engaging in unprotected sex for higher income, which limits the spread of HIV among this population. The results also indicate that asset ownership may allow women to access healthcare services.

Manajemen Pendidikan Aqidah Akhlak MTs Al Munawwarah di Lingkungan Eks Lokalisasi Pekerja Sex Komersial (PSK) Desa Slarang Kecamatan Kesugihan Kabupaten Cilacap

Examines the education management process applied at MTs Al Munawwarah Kesugihan Cilacap Regency, as an effort to improve the morals of students who come from the ex-localized Slarang Commercial Sex Worker (PSK) environment. The purpose of this study is to describe the management of MTs The Impact on Students Who Come from the Ex-Localization of Slarang Commercial Sex Workers (PSK) in the 2019/2020 Academic Year. This research was conducted with a qualitative approach. The subjects of this study were the principal, teachers, and students. Data collection techniques from this study using the method of observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of this study indicate that, 1) Learning planning by teachers is carried out by compiling annual programs, semester programs, developing learning syllabus, and developing lesson plans. 2) Organizing learning is carried out by the teacher, namely: structuring classrooms, structuring students, using learning resources, using learning media, and using facilities and infrastructure. 3) Implementation of learning is the teacher carrying out learning activities including preliminary activities, core activities, and closing activities. 4) Learning evaluation is the principal of madrasah providing guidance, assistance, supervision and assessment on problems related to the technical implementation and development of teaching education in the form of improving teaching education programs and activities to create teaching and learning situations. Meanwhile, the teacher evaluates learning through process assessment and results assessment. Process assessment is carried out on student participation both individually and in groups during the learning process. Assessment of results is carried out at the middle and end of the semester. 5) Reporting of learning outcomes that the content of reporting learning outcomes includes things such as student learning profiles at madrasah (academic, physical, social and emotional), student participation in activities at madrasah (active, moderate, insufficient or inactive), progress of results student learning during a certain learning period, appeal to parents.

Sexual Behaviour of Commercial Sex Workers; Islamic Perspectives and Health

Prostitution or Commercial Sex Worker (CSW) is exchanging money for sexual services. Someone who sells sexual services is referred to as a prostitute, although the term commercial sex worker is now more commonly used. Method: This study is a qualitative look at how prostitutes in Medan and Batam feel about God. When looking for information for a study on how prostitutes' religion affects their work and lives, it was found that there is not much to go on. To obtain this information, interviews were conducted. In these informal interviews, the participants may be unaware they are being interviewed systematically. The data collection strategy included in-depth interviews and observation of directly involved prostitutes. This method was used to determine how prostitutes thought about religious patterns and to improve and develop the theory. Results: Most Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) in Medan, Indonesia, are generally unfamiliar with the actual meaning of religion. You can use "Islam" even if you have never done the required worship. In addition, prostitution is viewed as a fact of life experienced alone. In general, the religious knowledge and comprehension of Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) in Batam are limited.Conclusion: Even more interesting, they know that sin and punishment are different things that do not overlap. Thus, as do prostitution-related activities, prayer, and other forms of worship continue. The causes of prostitution can be broken down into two categories: economic factors and basic needs. In comparison, the following factor is the result of association and friendship. In addition to these two factors, there are at least lifestyle, and sexuality needs as derivative factors.

The Problem of Criminalization of Commercial Sexual Workers and Users of Prostitution Services

Prostitution is a complex problem because it intersects with so many aspects, especially in women’s rights. However, the complexity of the problem is not accompanied by legal certainty of regulations regarding prostitution. This paper aims to find out and understand how the problem of criminalization of prostitutes and users of prostitution services in Indonesia. This research method is normative juridical law research with a concept and legislation approach. Data used secondary data consisting of primary, secondary, and tertiary materials. The result found is a legal vacuum related to the regulation of prostitution actions so that prostitutes and users of prostitution services often escape the legal snare. The need for criminalization as a countermeasure against users of prostitution services that are key in the practice of prostitution and protecting women’s rights. As well as countermeasures by providing rehabilitation for prostitutes and in them to have skills and not fall back into the vortex of prostitution practices.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Commercial Sex Workers Regarding Cervical Cancer and Its Screening, Daulatdia Brothel, Rajbari District, Bangladesh, 2020-2021

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in females in Bangladesh. This is caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Multiple sex partners, HIV infection, smoking, using birth control pills, and having more than three children are risk factors of cervical cancer. Hence, female sex workers have a high prevalence of infection with high risk HPV genotypes which eventually may causes cervical cancer. Unfortunately, the status of knowledge, attitude and practice among female sex workers regarding cervical cancer is mostly unknown. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of women living in Daulatdia brothel regarding cervical cancer and its screening. Methods: A cross-sectional knowledge-practice survey was conducted among 400 female sex workers in Daulatdia Brothel, Rajbari District, Bangladesh. The women’s total score on knowledge, and practice were categorized as sufficient or insufficient. We calculated frequencies and used binary logistic regression to describe and assess the association between scores and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. Results: Most sex workers (61%) were between 29 to 35 years, married at 13 to 15 years of age, and divorced (91%). Middle aged sex workers were more likely have a VIA test than women in the 29 to 35 years group (18%, OR:5.2; CI: 2.0, 13.5). Less than half of the studied women (40%) had sufficient knowledge regarding cervical cancer and 12% knew that infection by HPV is a risk factor. Respondents with primary and secondary education were more likely to have sufficient knowledge than the illiterate (42%, OR: 1.32; CI: 0.82, 2.12). Practices to prevent cervical cancer were very poor. Nearly all women (99%) would recommend other women to have a VIA test. There were only 7% who had a VIA test and 2% were vaccinated against HPV. Unmarried sex workers were more likely to take action to prevent cervical cancer. Sex workers educated up to the primary level were more likely to have a VIA or other tests than the illiterate sex workers (10%, OR: 1.3; CI: 0.6, 3.2). Conclusion: Sex workers in Daulatdia brothel were less knowledgeable about cervical cancer and less likely to have a VIA test and poor practices towards preventing cervical cancer. The sex workers underutilized the VIA test and HPV vaccine.

Predictors of intention to receive cervical cancer screening among commercial sex workers in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia: application of the theory of planned behavior

BackgroundCervical cancer is a global public health problem & is the fourth leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. Abnormal cervical lesion is common in commercial sex workers and is at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer due to multiple sexual partners besides other factors. Intention is an important predictor of behavior and is an initiative to transform their desire into action. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the predictors of intention to receive cervical cancer screening among commercial sex workers in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 27 to May 25, 2021, in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia. A total of 425 commercial sex workers selected using convenience sampling techniques were included in the study. Linear regression with robust standard errors was carried out to identify predictors of intention to receive cervical cancer screening. A 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance.ResultsA total of 393 commercial sex workers participated in the study with a response rate of 92.4%. The mean age of the participants was 27.68 ± 6.62. The median (interquartile range) of intention was 4 (3–4.25). The theory of planned behaviour variables explained 38.51% of the variance in intention to receive cervical cancer screening. Direct subjective norm (β = 0.09), 95% CI (0.05, 0.13)), direct Attitude (β = 0.09, 95% CI (0.04, 0.13)), past behaviour (β = 0.27; 95% CI (0.09, 0.46), and positive HIV status (β = 0.26; 95% CI (0.06, 0.46) were significant predictors of intention.ConclusionsCommercial sex workers' intention to undergo cervical cancer screening was high. The theory of planned behavior showed adequate utility in predicting commercial sex workers’ intention to receive cervical cancer screening. Participant’s attitudes, subjective norm, past behavior, and positive HIV status were important factors affecting their intention to receive cervical cancer screening. Thus, interventions aimed at enhancing commercial sex workers’ cervical cancer screening behavior should target creating positive social pressure and attitudinal change towards cervical cancer screening.

Recent HIV infection among newly diagnosed cases and associated factors in the Amhara regional state, Northern Ethiopia: HIV case surveillance data analysis (2019-2021).

Distinguishing a recent from long-standing HIV infection is a critical step to reduce new infections in 2030. Therefore, this analysis determines the proportion of recent HIV infections among newly diagnosed cases and associated factors in the Amhara regional state between 2019 and 2021. We got the HIV case-based surveillance dataset (July 2019 up to August 12/2021) from the Amhara Public Health Institute. Recent infection is an infection gained within the last 12 months as identified by Asante recency test kits. Logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with recent infection. Adjusted odd with 95% CI and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered to declare significant associations. Out of 5,689 eligible cases, 3,129 (55%) recency tests had been performed. The proportion of recent HIV infection is 443 (14.2%, 95% CI: 13, 15.4%). High proportion of recent infections is reported from Bahir Dar city (23.3%), Central Gondar (17.7%), West Gojjam (16.5%), North Shewa (16.5%) and South Gondar zones (15.7%). Besides, the proportion of recent infection is high among clients aged ≥ 51 years (32.4%), illicit drug users (30.6 %), homelessness (28.5%), current commercial sex workers (27.9%), prisoners (21.1%), and among clients with invasive medical procedures (22.2%). Recent infection is significantly associated with females (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.1), secondary and above education (AOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3-3.4), commercial sex workers (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.7), having contact with index case (AOR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8) and illicit drug utilization (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.1-12.4). In the Amhara region, the proportion of recent HIV infection is high with marked variation across sociodemographic characteristics. We identified the risk or preventive factors associated with a recent infection. Therefore, all HIV responders should target their prevention efforts toward hot spot areas and sub-populations to stop further transmission.

Poly-drug use among female and male commercial sex workers visiting a drop in centre in Mombasa County, Kenya.

The relationship between commercial sex work and drug use is complex and the two exacerbate each other. In Kenya, Mombasa County has one of the highest populations of drug users and commercial sex workers. Despite documentation of drug use among sex workers, most of the studies are based on self-reported history which is prone to social desirability and memory recall biases. It is in this context that we sought to establish actual drug use is this sub-population. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine self-reported and confirmed drug use among 224 commercial sex workers accessing services at Mvita Drop-in. Actual drug use was determined qualitatively using 6 panel plus alcohol Saliva Test kit. The overall prevalence of self-reported and confirmed current use for at least one drug was 98% and 99% respectively. Regardless of the technique used, alcohol and tobacco products were the most consumed substances. Alcohol use increased significantly with age (P = 0.03). Risk of cigarette use and testing positive for cotinine was higher among those age 18 to 35 years compared to >35years at P = 0.001 and P = 0.002 respectively. Poly-drug use was common with 98% testing positive for more than one drug. The reason for drug use was sex work related pressure (88%) with 60% of the respondents reporting they cannot transact this business without drugs. Almost every commercial sex worker is a poly-drug user. We recommend targeted interventions for commercial sex workers.

Identification of Trichomonas vaginalis Parasites In Commercial Sex Workers Conducting Examinations At The Mawar Clinic PKBI Bandung, Indonesia

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the pathogenic Trichomonas vaginalis protozoa parasite found in the female genitourinary tract and can cause vaginal discharge, in severe conditions, vaginal inflammation will occur. Trichomoniasis has a high risk of infecting groups that often have multiple partners, such as Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs). This study aims to determine the presence or absence of Trichomonas vaginalis parasites in the urine sample of Commercial Sex Workers who conduct examinations at the Mawar Clinic PKBI Bandung. The research method used is observation. The sample is the urine of a prostitute who performs an examination at the Mawar Clinic PKBI Bandung, Indonesia. The examination was carried out in two ways, namely the wet method and the Giemsa staining method, which was carried out in the Rajawali Bandung Institute of Health laboratory. The results showed that out of 30 samples, 11 urine samples of CSW were infected with Trichomonas vaginalis,. The conclusion of this study is that Trichomonas vaginalis parasites were found in urine samples of prostitutes who were examined at the Mawar Clinic PKBI Bandung.

Factors associated with depression among young female migrants in Ethiopia

BackgroundMental health disorders represent a significant share of disease burden for adolescents and young people and depression is among the leading causes of morbidity within this age group. With rural-urban migration increasing in many settings, and young females being among the main migrants, few studies have examined the impact of such major transitions on mental health. This paper measures levels of depression among young women who are rural-urban migrants in Ethiopia, as well as factors associated with depression.MethodsThis was part of a largescale study of urban migrant females aged 15–24 in Ethiopia, which took place in seven cities. Multiple categories of migrants were interviewed. We used modified PHQ-9 questions to measure depression and logistic regression models to examine its association with various characteristics including patterns of migration and violence. In all, 4,495 migrant females were interviewed.ResultsTwenty-one percent of migrant young women displayed symptoms of moderate or severe depression. Symptoms of depression were more common among commercial sex workers (37%) than among other categories of migrants. Factors significantly associated with depression were being in commercial sex work (OR 1.70), migrating before age 15 (OR 1.37), using a broker to find a job (OR 1.53), experiencing forced first sex (OR 2.16) and experiencing beating in the last three months (OR 2.16).ConclusionThis study reveals significant levels of depression among young women in Ethiopia who are rural-urban migrants. The study highlights the need to expand measurement of mental health conditions in health surveys and underscores the need for additional investments in mental health infrastructure, programs and services for marginalized groups in sub-Saharan Africa.

Exploring sexual contact networks by analyzing a nationwide commercial-sex review website.

Understanding the structure of human sexual contact networks is vital in a broad range of disciplines, including sociology, biology, public health, and anthropology. However, sexual contact networks are yet to be understood because technical and privacy issues make it difficult to conduct accurate, large-scale surveys. In this study, we surveyed data openly available on one of the largest adult entertainment websites in Japan, where male clients (MCs) can write online customer reviews of female commercial sex workers (FCSWs). In particular, our investigation focused on a type of establishment called "soapland," the only type of sex industry in Japan where sexual intercourse is publicly permitted. Soaplands are scattered throughout Japan, and the study website covers approximately 66% of them. Using such a vast amount of data on a nationwide scale, we clarified the network structure of commercial sex, characterized by small-world, scale-free, and disassortative mating properties. To study geographical characteristics, we compared the resulting network with three different artificially generated networks via the random rewiring of links. Moreover, we considered a simple epidemic model on the resulting network, and investigated whether it would be more effective to provide infection control measures to FCSWs or MCs. We determined that active FCSWs constitute an important pathway of infection propagation in commercial sex networks, but MCs also play an essential role as weak ties.