Citation

Goldenberg SM, Rangel G, Staines H, Vera A, Lozada R, Nguyen L, Silverman JG, Strathdee SA. J. Acquir. Immune Defic. Syndr. (LWW) 2013; 63(5): 639-646.

Affiliation

1University of California, San Diego, Division of Global Public Health, La Jolla, United States; 2El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Departamento de Estudios de Poblacion, Tijuana, Mexico; 3Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez, Faculty of Medicine, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico; 4Pro-COMUSIDA, Tijuana, Mexico.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/QAI.0b013e318296de71

PMID

23614997

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: To investigate individual, interpersonal, and social-structural factors associated with involuntary sex work among female sex workers (FSWs) along the Mexico-U.S. border. METHODS:: In 2010-2011, 214 FSWs from Tijuana (n=106) and Ciudad Juarez (n=108) aged ≥18 who reported lifetime use of heroin, cocaine, crack, or methamphetamine, having a stable partner, and having sold/traded sex in the past month completed quantitative surveys and HIV/STI testing. Logistic regression was used to identify correlates of involuntary sex work among FSWs. RESULTS:: Of 214 FSWs, 31 (14.5%) reported involuntary sex work. These women were younger at sex work entry (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.84/1 year increase, 95% CI: 0.72-0.97) and were significantly more likely to service clients whom they perceived to be HIV/STI-infected (AOR: 12.41, 95% CI: 3.15-48.91). Additionally, they were more likely to have clients who used drugs (AOR: 7.88, 95% CI: 1.52-41.00), report poor working conditions (AOR: 3.27, 95% CI: 1.03-10.31), and report a history of rape (AOR: 4.46, 1.43-13.91). CONCLUSIONS:: Involuntary sex work is disproportionate among FSWs who initiate sex work at a younger age, and these women experience elevated risk of violence and HIV/STIs related to their clients' behaviors and their working conditions. These data suggest the critical need for evidence-based approaches to preventing sexual exploitation of women and girls and to reducing harm among current sex workers. Multi-level interventions for sex workers and their clients that target interpersonal and social-structural risks (e.g., measures to improve safety and reduce exploitation within the workplace) are needed.

Language: en