Publication: Violence victimisation, sexual risk and sexually transmitted infection symptoms among female sex workers in Thailand
Issued Date
2010-06-01
Resource Type
ISSN
14723263
13684973
13684973
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-77953739594
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Sexually Transmitted Infections. Vol.86, No.3 (2010), 236-240
Suggested Citation
Michele R. Decker, Heather L. McCauley, Dusita Phuengsamran, Surang Janyam, George R. Seage, Jay G. Silverman Violence victimisation, sexual risk and sexually transmitted infection symptoms among female sex workers in Thailand. Sexually Transmitted Infections. Vol.86, No.3 (2010), 236-240. doi:10.1136/sti.2009.037846 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/29643
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Title
Violence victimisation, sexual risk and sexually transmitted infection symptoms among female sex workers in Thailand
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Commercial sex work is a primary context for heterosexual HIV/AIDS transmission. Violence victimisation is considered to compromise women's ability to protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI); little research has investigated violence as it relates to sexual risk and STI among female sex workers (FSW). This study sought to compare sexual risk and STI symptoms among FSW based on recent violence exposure. Methods: Data from 815 FSW in Thailand were used to assess the prevalence of physical or sexual violence within the context of sex work, and associations of victimisation with sexual risk and STI symptoms. Results: Approximately one in seven FSW (14.6%) had experienced violence in the week before the survey. Compared with their unexposed counterparts, FSW exposed to violence demonstrated a greater risk of condom failure (19.6% vs 12.3%, ARR 1.92, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.95) and client condom refusal (85.7% vs 69.0%, ARR 1.24, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.35). In analyses adjusted for sexual risk, violence related to STI symptoms collectively (ARR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.21) and genital lesions as an individual STI symptom (ARR 1.78, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.66). Conclusion: Physical and sexual violence against FSW in Thailand appears to be common, with women experiencing such violence demonstrating diminished capacity for STI/HIV harm reduction and greater prevalence of STI symptoms. Efforts to reduce violence towards this vulnerable population must be prioritised, as a means of protecting the health and wellbeing of FSW, and as a key component of STI/HIV prevention and control.