Citation

Duff P, Deering K, Gibson K, Tyndall M, Shannon K. BMC Public Health 2011; 11(1): 643.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group - BMC)

DOI

10.1186/1471-2458-11-643

PMID

21838894

PMCID

PMC3170620

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Drawing on data from a community-based prospective cohort study in Vancouver, Canada, we examined the prevalence and individual, interpersonal and work environment correlates of homelessness among 252 women in street-based sex work. METHODS: Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression using generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used to examine the individual, interpersonal and work environment factors that were associated with homelessness among street-based sex workers. RESULTS: Among 252 women, 43.3% reported homelessness over an 18-month follow-up period. In the multivariable GEE logistic regression analysis, younger age (Adjusted odds ratios [aOR]= 0.93; 95%confidence intervals [95%CIs] 0.93-0.98), sexual violence by non-commercial partners (aOR= 2.14; 95%CI 1.06-4.34), servicing a higher number of clients (10+ per week vs <10) (aOR=1.68; 95%CI 1.05-2.69), intensive, daily crack use (aOR= 1.65; 95%CI 1.11-2.45), and servicing clients in public spaces (aOR=1.52; CI 1.00-2.31) were independently associated with sleeping on the street. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate a critical need for safer environment interventions that mitigate the social and physical risks faced by homeless FSWs and increase access to safe, secure housing for women.

Language: en