5 research outputs found
Violence as a barrier for HIV prevention among female sex workers in Argentina.
BACKGROUND: Violence against female sex workers (FSWs) has been increasingly reported as an important determinant of HIV infection risk. This study explores the frequency of different violent experiences (sexual abuse, rejection, beating and imprisonment) among FSWs in Argentina and its association with condom use and HIV and T. pallidum prevalence. METHODS: A convenience sample of 1255 FSWs was included in a cross-sectional study conducted between October 2006 and November 2009. RESULTS: Sexual abuse was reported by 24.1% (219/907) of women. A total of 34.7% (42/1234) reported rejection experiences, 21.9% (267/1215) reported having been beaten and 45.4% (561/1236) stated having been arrested because of their sex work activity. There was a higher frequency of inconsistent condom use with clients among FSWs who had experienced sexual abuse, rejection, and police detention. A higher frequency of HIV and T. pallidum infection was detected among FSWs who reported having been arrested by the police. CONCLUSION: The study shows for the first time the frequency of different violent situations among FSWs in Argentina. The association between violence against sex workers, condom use and STI prevalence demonstrated here calls for measures to reduce stigma and violence against FSWs. Such violent experiences may increase vulnerability to STI through coerced unprotected sex
Frequency of rejection and violent experiences in FSWs recruited in nine cities of Argentina between 2006 and 2009.
*<p>1 point awarded for each type of episode experienced (sexual abuse, being beaten, feelings of rejection, being arrested due to sex work activity).</p
Bivariate and multivariate analysis of association between violent experiences and condom use in FSWs recruited in nine cities of Argentina between 2006 and 2009.
<p>aOR: adjusted by nationality (Argentinean vs. other), HIV status, formal education level (primary or less vs. high school or more), age and place of work (street vs. other).</p
Bivariate and multivariate analysis of violent experiences and HIV/<i>T. pallidum</i> infection in FSWs recruited in nine cities of Argentina between 2006 and 2009.
<p>aOR: adjusted by nationality (Argentinean vs. other), formal education level (primary or less vs. high school or more), age and place of work (street vs. other).</p