Impact of COVID-19 on Profession and Health of Female Sex Workers: Apprehension, Acquiescence, and Resilience.
Arch Sex Behav
; 53(6): 2405-2416, 2024 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38744730
ABSTRACT
In Surat city of Gujarat, India, female sex workers (FSW)-based targeted interventions (TI) and community-based organizations (CBO) have been functioning since 1998. To document the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown (March-May 2020) on FSWs and STI/RTI/HIV preventive measures provided through TI/CBOs in Surat city, sequential, explanatory mixed-methods design was used. We conducted a desk review of quarterly programmatic data (2018-2020) of four TIs and CBOs and interviewed of 221 FSWs to study pre- and post-lockdown socioeconomic conditions, engagement in sex work, health services during COVID-19 lockdown and coping strategies, followed by five focus group discussions of FSWs and TI/CBO project staff. Study identified four major themes reasons for working as a FSW during COVID-19 lockdown, entry to sex work during or as a consequence of lockdown, exploitation of FSWs during lockdown, and challenges of TI and CBOs in service provision in pandemic situation. Number of new registrations and STI/RTI detection increased immediately after lockdown. TI/CBO and other NGOs working for women welfare must build financial independence by training them in microeconomics, savings, and entrepreneurship. TI/CBO staff must also include experts in finance or business, trained in emergency response. The presence of strong TI/CBO network facilitated prompt delivery of essential commodities and financial aid to FSWs. However, laboratory and screening services were hampered, which warrants need of introducing self-test kits. In backdrop of decrease in condom distribution, continuation of sex work during lockdown and disruption of routine HIV/STI/RTI screening facilities, our study also recommends intensified HIV/STI/RTI screening among FSWs.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Profissionais do Sexo
/
COVID-19
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Arch Sex Behav
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Índia