Investigating the Relationship of Childhood Traumas and Sexual Guilt with Sexual Addiction in Iranian Prostitutes.

Background: Prostitution is a social phenomenon, and its underlying factors require more scholarly attention. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of childhood traumas and sexual guilt with sexual addiction in Iranian prostitutes. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on prostitutes who visited a health promotion center in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran in 2020. A total of 100 women agreed to participate in the study. Data collection tools included the Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST), Mosher Sex-Guilt Scale, and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Findings: The age of the participants ranged from 23 to 42, with a mean age of 33.54±8.9 years. About 40% of the participants were divorced, 13% were married, 27% were single, and 10% were widows. The findings indicated that 84% of the prostitutes met the criteria for sexual addiction according to SAST. Emotional abuse (r=0.41, P<0.001), physical abuse (r=0.32, P<0.001), sexual abuse (r=0.33, P<0.001), emotional neglect (r=0.52, P<0.001), and physical neglect (r=0.37, P<0.001) had a positive and significant relationship with sexual addiction in prostitutes. There was no correlation between sexual guilt and sexual addiction (r=0.13, P=0.09). Furthermore, the linear regression results showed that emotional neglect was the only variable positively associated with sexual addiction (ß=0.5, P<0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that childhood traumas can predict sexual addiction in female prostitutes.

Violence Against Prostitutes and Non-prostitutes: An Analysis of Frequency, Variety and Severity.

Violence against women is a form of gender violence, and the lethal aspect of it, defined as femicide, is a global health and human rights problem.This study looked at 330 cases of femicide that occurred in North West Italy, between 1970 and 2020, committed by 303 male perpetrators. The victims included women who were prostitutes and those who were not.Findings show that only a small proportion of femicide occurs within an anonymous setting: Victims were mostly killed by a man they knew. The type and intensity of the relationship was likely to affect how the violence occurred. In those cases in which victims and perpetrators had an intimate relationship, the risk of overkill, that is, an excessive use of violence that goes further than what is necessary to cause death, was four times higher in comparison with the murder of unknown victims. As with non-prostitutes, the risk of overkill was almost fourfold for those prostitutes who knew their perpetrators. Furthermore, when comparing prostitutes with any unknown victims, the risk of being overkilled was almost five times higher for the former, suggesting that prostitutes are more at risk of being murdered with excessive violence. In addition, prostitutes were more likely to be victims of sexual murder, postmortem mutilation, and being killed by men who had previous criminal records.Women who are victims of violence are not a homogeneous group, although some of the psychosocial correlates are the same and relevance should be given to the features behind the type, intensity, and nature of the relationship between prostitutes and non-prostitutes and their perpetrators. These variables are what make violence against women a preventable problem.

Feminicídios de prostitutas no município de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil / Femicidio de prostitutas en el municipio Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil / Femicides of prostitutes in Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil

Este artigo analisa inquéritos policiais referentes a feminicídios de trabalhadoras sexuais ocorridos no município de Porto Alegre entre 2006 e 2010. Trata-se de um estudo de caso que investigou 12 relatos de feminicídios ocorridos com prostitutas e identificados em 94 inquéritos policiais referentes a assassinatos de mulheres, disponibilizados pela Delegacia de Homicídios do município. Os feminicídios foram classificados segundo três categorias: crimes da miséria, pois todas as mulheres mortas eram muito pobres; crimes de ódio, nos quais houve estupro, mutilações, tortura e uso extremado de instrumentos letais; e crimes sexuais, nos quais houve violência sexual. No período estudado, os feminicídios de trabalhadoras sexuais apresentaram frequência elevada em relação a outras mulheres. Essas mortes expressam o descaso e a misoginia da sociedade patriarcal e a pouca valia dessas vidas humanas. (AU)

Este artículo analiza investigaciones de la policía relativas a feminicidios de trabajadoras sexuales habidos en el municipio de Porto Alegre entre 2006 y 2010. Se trata de un estudio de caso que investigó 12 relatos de feminicidios ocurrido con prostitutas e identificados en 94 investigaciones de la policía referentes a asesinatos de mujeres, puestos a disposición por la Comisaría de Homicidios del municipio. Los feminicidios se clasificaron en tres categorías: crímenes de la miseria, puesto que todas las mujeres muertas eran muy pobres; crímenes de odio, en los cuales hubo violación, mutilaciones, tortura y uso extremado de instrumentos letales; y crímenes sexuales, en los que hubo violencia sexual. En el período estudiado, los feminicidios de trabajadoras sexuales presentaron una frecuencia elevada con relación a otras mujeres. Esas muertes expresan el poco caso y la misoginia de la sociedad patriarcal y el poco valor dado a esas vidas humanas. (AU)

This article presents the feminicides among sex workers in the city of Porto Alegre, in the years 2006-2010. A case study analyses 12 feminicides that occurred in prostitutes and were identified in 94 police inquiries, referring to the women murders available by the Police State Department of the city. Feminicides were characterized into three categories: crimes of misery, because all the women were very poor; hate crimes, in which were rape, mutilations, torture and extreme use of lethal instruments; and sexual crimes in which were sexual violence. During the period studied, feminicides by sexual workers were highly frequent in relation to other women. These deaths express the neglect and the misogyny of patriarchal society and the little value of these human lives. (AU)

Changing Minds and Changing Laws: How New Zealand Sex Workers and Their Allies Shaped Decriminalisation in New Zealand.

Introduction: This article provides insight into a rare instance of a collaborative governance approach to sex work that led to the decriminalisation, design and implementation of the sex work policy governance framework in New Zealand with the Prostitution Reform Act 2003. Methods: Drawing on a sample of 17 interviews conducted between the years 2012 and 2019 in addition to associated archival material originating from government and non-government sectors including sex worker representative organisations. Results: It finds that non-sex workers' endorsement for the decriminalisation of sex work was motivated by the New Zealand Prostitutes Collective (NZPC) and occurred primarily within a human rights and harm minimisation framework. But that during the lobbying and parliamentary process, amendments to the Bill emerged that contradicted the NZPC's main goal which was for sex work to be recognised as a legitimate labour activity and for all sex workers to benefit from decriminalisation and policy reform. Conclusions: As such, this article broadens the scope of analysis related to the sex worker rights movement by examining how and why sex workers and their allies came to communicate and act on the impetus for sex work law reform and how it affected policy outcomes. Policy Implications: Those involved in collaborative governance sex work law reform projects could consider adopting Östegren's typology of repressive, restrictive or integrative approaches to sex work law reform in negotiations that concern regulation and policies.

Comparison between prostitutes' and general women's homicides: The experience of the bureau of legal medicine of Milan and Hinterland over 26 years.

We present a retrospective study of prostitutes' homicide in the Milanese area over a 26-year period (1993-2018), and compare the results with general women's homicides: 294 women were killed of whom 71 were prostitutes. In the general population, the type-victim is an Italian woman aged between 31 and 40 years suffering from no particular pathologies or drug dependence. Prostitutes are 10 years younger, mostly Italian, suffering from pathologies probably related to their activities. Prostitutes remain at high risk of violence, due to gaps in the crime prevention system.

High Prevalence of Non-B HIV-1 Subtypes in Overseas Sailors and Prostitutes in Korea.

There have been no studies related to groups at the highest risk for HIV-1 infection in Korea before 1993. In this study, for the first time, we report the distribution of HIV subtypes in overseas sailors (OSs) and prostitutes who worked in brothels near U.S. military bases in Korea. We retrospectively determined the sequences of nef in 131 patients using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). These patients composed of 102 OSs, 14 OS spouses, and 15 prostitutes. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using 128 Korean OSs, OS spouses, and prostitutes. The distribution of non-B subtypes (n = 105) was as follows: 39, CRF02_AG; 15, CRF01_AE; 7, A1; 7, A2; 6, D; 2, CRF06_cpx; 3, C; 6, G; 11, untypable; and 1 each for CRF09_cpx, CRF12_BF, CRF50_A1D, A3, AFG, H, F1, F2, and A. Of the 116 OSs and OS spouses, 101 (87%), 11 (9%), and 4 (3%) subjects had non-B, Western B, and Korean subclade B (KSB) HIV-1s, respectively. Among the 15 prostitutes, 10 had Western B (67%), 4 non-B (27%), and 1 KSB (7%) HIV-1s. All 14 couples, each comprising of an OS and his spouse, had the same subtype. KSB (5%) was detected in OSs and prostitutes in 1990 and 1994, respectively. Of the 131 patients analyzed in this study, 105 (80%), 21 (16%), and 5 (4%) were infected with the non-B, Western B, and KSB subtypes of HIV, respectively. In future, these data may provide an important foundation for analysis of HIV-1 subtypes in Korea.

Human immunodeficiency virus awareness and condom use among female adolescent prostitutes in Lagos, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: The cornerstone of HIV prevention among female adolescent prostitutes is awareness promotion complemented with advocacy on consistent and correct use of condom. The study aimed at reviewing HIV awareness and condom use among female adolescent prostitutes in Lagos communities, Nigeria. METHODS: It was a mixed-method study realized through a questionnaire-based survey and in-depth interviews of adolescent sex workers in Oyingbo and Yaba communities of Lagos State, Nigeria; conducted between 1st of April, 2014 and 30th of September, 2014. SPSS version 17.0 and content analysis were used in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data respectively. RESULTS: 97.3% had heard about HIV/AIDS; with 86.9% being tested for HIV in the preceding 6 months. While there was consistent use of male condom in 99.7% of the respondents, 90% had experience with the use of female condom, however, 95.5% would allow non- use of condom for higher financial reward. CONCLUSION: Although the level of awareness of HIV/AIDS was high among the respondents, there is need to improve on the level of awareness and preventive strategies for HIV/AIDS, with more emphasis laid on the consistent and correct use of condom in this highly vulnerable class of people.

Induced abortion among Brazilian female sex workers: a qualitative study / Aborto induzido entre prostitutas brasileiras: um estudo qualitativo

Prostitutes are vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies and abortions. In Brazil, abortion is a crime and there is no data about unsafe abortions for this population. The study describes how prostitutes perform illegal abortions and the health consequences thereof. Semi-structured interviews with 39 prostitutes from three cities in Brazil with previous induced abortion experience were conducted. Sixty-six abortions, with between one and eight occurrences per woman, were recorded. The majority of the cases resulted from sexual activity with clients. The inconsistent use of condoms with regular clients and the consumption of alcohol during work were indicated as the main causes of unplanned pregnancies. The main method to perform abortion was the intravaginal and oral use of misoprostol, acquired in pharmacies or on the black market. Invasive measures were less frequently reported, however with more serious health complications. The fear of complaint to the police meant that most women do not inform the health team regarding induced abortion. The majority of prostitutes aborted with the use of illegally-acquired misoprostol, ending abortion in a public hospital with infection and hemorrhagic complications. The data indicate the need for a public policy focusing on the reproductive health of prostitutes.

As prostitutas estão vulneráveis à gravidez não planejada e ao aborto. No Brasil, essa prática é crime e não há dados sobre aborto inseguro entre essa população. O estudo descreve como prostitutas abortam ilegalmente e o impacto à saúde. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com 39 prostitutas de três cidades do Brasil com experiência prévia em aborto induzido. Foram realizados 66 abortos, entre 1 e 8 ocorrências por mulher. A maioria dos casos resultaram de atividades sexuais com os clientes. O uso inconsistente dos condoms e o consumo de álcool na prostituição foram indicadas como as principais causas de gravidez não planejada. O principal método para abortar foi uso intravaginal e oral de misoprostol, adquirido em farmácias ou no mercado clandestino. Métodos invasivos foram menos frequentes, apesar de com mais sérias implicações à saúde. O medo de denúncia à polícia fez com que a maioria das mulheres não informasse à equipe de saúde sobre a indução do aborto. A maioria das prostitutas abortou com uso de misoprostol adquirido ilegalmente, finalizando o aborto em hospital público com quadros de infecção e complicações hemorrágicas. Os dados indicam a necessidade de uma política pública voltada à saúde reprodutiva das prostitutas.

Educação Popular em Saúde e participação de prostitutas: contribuições para a gestão participativa do SUS / Popular Education in Health and participation of prostitutes: contributions to participatory management of SUS

O Sistema Único de Saúde ancora-se em princípios como a universalidade, a equidade, a integralidade e a participação da sociedade na formulação e controle das políticas públicas de saúde. A Educação Popular em Saúde potencializa a participação popular de diferentes segmentos sociais e o desenvolvimento de mecanismos de escuta para apreender demandas e opiniões da população acerca dos serviços de saúde. Este artigo apresenta diferentes formas de participação popular protagonizadas pelo movimento social de prostitutas e seu engajamento na luta pelo direito à saúde, com intuito de descortinar contribuições que esse grupo social acrescenta à reflexão acerca das potencialidades e dificuldades de implementação de uma gestão participativa no SUS...

El Sistema Público de Salud Brasileño se basa en los principios de universalidad, equidad, integralidad y participación de la sociedad en la formulación y control de políticas de salud. La Educación Popular en Salud amplía la participación popular de los diferentes grupos sociales y lo desarrollo de mecanismos de escucha para captar sus demandas y opiniones acerca de los servicios de salud. Este artículo presenta diferentes formas de participación popular de lo movimiento social de prostitutas y su lucha por el derecho a la salud, a fin de descubrir sus contribuciones a la reflexión sobre las posibilidades y dificultades de implementación de una gestión participativa en el SUS...

The SUS – Brazilian public health system – is anchored in the principles of universality, equity, integrality and participation of society in the formulation and control of public health policies. The Popular Education and Health favors popular participation of different social groups and development of mechanisms for listening to apprehend their demands and opinions about the health services. This paper present different forms of popular participation by social movement of prostitutes and their engagement in the struggle for the right to health, in order to uncover contributions that social group adds to the reflection on the strengths and difficulties of develop a participatory management in the SUS...

Improvement of clinical algorithms for the diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis by the use of Gram-stained smears among female sex workers in Accra, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Screening for cervical infection is difficult in developing countries. Screening strategies must be improved for high-risk women, such as female sex workers. GOAL: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of screening algorithms for cervical infection pathogens among female sex workers in Accra, Ghana. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study among female sex workers was conducted. Each woman underwent an interview and a clinical examination. Biologic samples were obtained for the diagnosis of HIV, syphilis, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Signs and symptoms associated with cervicitis agents were identified. Algorithms for the diagnosis of cervical infection were tested by computer simulations. RESULTS: The following prevalences were observed: HIV, 76.6%; N. gonorrhoeae, 33.7%; C. trachomatis, 10.1%; candidiasis, 24.4%; T. vaginalis, 31.4%; bacterial vaginosis, 2.3%; serologic syphilis, 4.6%; and genital ulcers on clinical examination, 10.6%. The best performance of algorithms were reached when using a combination of clinical signs and a search for gram-negative diplococci on cervical smears (sensitivity, 64.4%; specificity, 80.0%). CONCLUSIONS: In the algorithms, examination of Gram-stained genital smears in female sex workers without clinical signs of cervicitis improved sensitivity without altering specificity for the diagnosis of cervical infection.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among clients of female commercial sex workers in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Clients of commercial sex workers are considered at high risk for the acquisition and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Identification and treatment of infections in this group could help to reduce the transmission of STDs. GOAL: To ascertain the prevalence of sexually transmitted organisms in male clients of female sex workers in Thailand by analysis of seminal fluid collected after intercourse. STUDY DESIGN: Used condoms were collected from 291 male clients attending a brothel in Hat Yai, Thailand during a 7-day period. Nucleic acid was extracted from seminal fluid and tested by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, herpes simplex virus (HSV) and HIV sequences. RESULTS: Overall, 17 (6%), 47 (16%), and 2 (1%) of specimens were positive for C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae and T vaginalis respectively. HSV sequences were found in 24 (8%) of the specimens: 14 specimens (5%) with HSV type 1, and 11 specimens (4%) with HSV type 2. HIV RNA was detected in two samples (1%). Overall, 75 specimens (26%) were positive for one or more infections, and more than one pathogen was detected in 16 specimens (5%). CONCLUSION: This study reports a high rate of STDs among clients of female sex workers in Thailand. Consequently, this population is a significant risk for transmitting STDs to commercial sex workers and to other noncommercial partners. Strategies that target this population of men are needed to reduce STD and HIV transmission.

Behavioural and serological human immunodeficiency virus risk factors among female commercial sex workers in Cambodia.

BACKGROUND: The spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Cambodia is mainly caused by sexual transmission and the high-risk group in this country are female commercial sex workers (CSW). There are two types of CSW, direct CSW (DCSW) and indirect CSW (IDCSW), who are different from each other in sexual activities. This study was conducted in order to describe the risk factors on HIV for each type of CSW, and to establish effective preventive strategies against the HIV epidemic among CSW. METHODS: The participants, 143 DCSW and 94 IDCSW, were interviewed using a questionnaire to determine their demographic characteristics and behaviour. Blood samples were taken for serological tests on HIV, Chlamydia trachomatis and syphilis. The association between their behavioural pattern and their serological results was analysed. RESULTS: The questionnaire study showed that IDCSW had a riskier behavioural pattern than DCSW. The HIV seroprevalence rates of the DCSW and the IDCSW were 52.4% and 22.3%, respectively. Univariate logistic analyses showed a significant association between HIV antibody (HIV-Ab) and current age, age at commencement of commercial sex work, duration of commercial sex work, and the seropositivity of Chlamydia trachomatis-IgG antibody (CT-IgG-Ab) among the DCSW. The analyses also showed a significant relationship between HIV-Ab and CT-IgG-Ab among the IDCSW. CONCLUSIONS: Improving condom use rate is very important in order to prevent an HIV epidemic among the two types of CSW. This study also suggests it is important to prevent sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The STD control programme could be efficient for HIV prevention, especially among DCSW.

A prospective study on condom slippage and breakage among female brothel-based sex workers in Singapore.

BACKGROUND: Concerns about the effectiveness of condoms in preventing sexually transmitted diseases have been raised. Data are lacking on condom failure and its associated factors among sex workers in Southeast Asia. GOAL: To assess factors associated with condom breakage and slippage. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study on condom breakage and slippage over a 1-day period was conducted among 219 female brothel-based sex workers in Singapore in 1997. RESULTS: Condom breakage and slippage rates among 1,885 episodes of condom use were 1.2% (95% CI, 0.7-1.8) and 2.1% (95% CI, 1.2-3.0), respectively. After adjusting for intracluster effects and confounders, condom breakage and slippage were significantly associated with duration of sex work and spontaneity of clients to use condoms. CONCLUSION: Condom use among sex workers should be promoted in view of the low failure rates. Strategies to reduce condom breakage and slippage should be directed at sex workers with increased risk of condom failure.

HIV prevention among male clients of female sex workers in Kaolack, Senegal: results of a peer education program.

This article reports the results of a peer-led HIV prevention education and condom promotion program among transport workers in Kaolack, Senegal. As part of a 2-year longitudinal follow-up study, changes in men's AIDS-related knowledge, sexual behavior, condom use, and perceived barriers to condom use were evaluated by self-reports obtained from a systematic sample of transport workers interviewed before and after intervention. In addition to men's self-reports, preintervention and postintervention data on men's sexual and condom use behavior were gathered from a sample of licensed, commercial sex workers, who cited transport workers as their primary source of clients. Significant increases in men's HIV-related knowledge, previous use of condoms (from 30.4% to 53.5%), and consistent condom use with regular sex partners were documented over the study period, as were significant declines in perceived barriers to condom use. Though men reported significantly fewer sexual encounters with casual and commercial partners at follow-up compared to baseline, these data were unreliable. Women's postintervention reports indicate that a greater proportion of clients (including, but not limited to transport workers) "always" agree to use condoms (p < .01) compared with baseline and that fewer men offer more money for unprotected sex (p < .01). However, women also report taking greater initiative in the mechanics of condom use (supplying the condom, putting it on, and taking it off) than they did prior to the intervention, and significantly (p < .05) fewer women think that most of their clients know how to use a condom. The findings indicate that the peer-mediated intervention had a positive impact on several important outcomes measured and suggest that HIV prevention efforts need to focus on male client groups despite the logistical and methodological challenges.

Determinants of condom use in female sex workers in Surabaya, Indonesia.

In the developing world condom use among sex workers and their clients plays a dominant role in the transmission of HIV/STD. In Surabaya, Indonesia, data from the 1993 STD prevalence survey in female sex workers (brothels, street, massage parlours, barber shops, call-girl houses, and nightclubs) reveal that only 5% (33/692) of the brothel workers and 14% (25/177) of the street walkers had condoms in their possession at the time of the interview. During the last paid sexual intercourse, sex workers from the brothels, streets, and nightclubs used condoms infrequently (14%, 20%, and 25%, respectively). Sex workers from massage parlours, barber shops, and call girls were about 5 to 3 times more likely to use condoms than sex workers from nightclubs (adjusted odds ratio of 3.5, 4.9, and 4.2, respectively); thus condom promotion programmes should be targeted at sex workers at brothels, streets, and nightclubs. Programmes should include: (1) free distribution of condoms to sex establishments at the initial stage, and condom social marketing at later stages; (2) penalties, including legal sanctions, against any sex establishments that do not consistently use condoms; (3) participation of brothel owners and madams in encouraging sex workers to consistently have clients use condoms during sexual intercourse; and (4) establishment of sentinel surveillance to monitor STD/HIV and condom-use compliance.

Factors associated with condom use for oral sex among female brothel-based sex workers in Singapore.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of oral sex increased from 27.1% in 1992 to 81.1% in 1997, with a concomitant increase in pharyngeal gonorrhea, among female sex workers in Singapore. The extent of condom use for oral sex among them is unknown. GOAL: To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with consistent condom use during oral sex. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of 225 women randomly selected from the surveillance scheme register of female brothel-based sex workers with a history of oral sex documented in their medical records. RESULTS: Slightly more than half (56.9%) consistently used condoms for oral sex compared to 97% for vaginal sex. Condom use was significantly higher among middle than high class sex workers (adjusted rate ratio: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.01-2.29) and those with negotiation skills (adjusted rate ratio: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.32-2.07). CONCLUSION: Sex workers should be taught skills to negotiate condom use for oral sex.

PIP: Oral sex, which was once considered an uncommon sexual behavior, has become a relatively common practice. Its prevalence increased from 27.1% in 1992 to 81.1% in 1997, with a concomitant increase in pharyngeal gonorrhea among female sex workers in Singapore. The extent of condom use for oral sex among them is unknown. This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of, and factors associated with, consistent condom use for oral sex among 225 female brothel-based sex workers, with paying clients in Singapore. Results indicated that slightly more than half (56.9%) consistently used condoms for oral sex compared to 97% for vaginal sex. Condom use was significantly associated with class of sex workers and negotiation skills. Significantly higher rates of condom use were found among high-class sex workers (adjusted rate ratio: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.01-2.29) and those with negotiation skills (adjusted rate ratio: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.32-2.07). In light of these findings, it is suggested that future interventions provide training to sex workers, particularly high-class ones, on negotiation concerning oral sex.

Predictors of female condom use among women exchanging street sex in New York City.

BACKGROUND: Alternative female-initiated barrier methods, such as the female condom, are needed among women exchanging street sex to enhance their ability to protect themselves from HIV and STD infection. OBJECTIVE: To describe predictors of female condom use among 96 women exchanging sex for money and drugs on the streets of New York City. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 113 sex workers received a baseline interview, a demonstration on proper female condom use, and 10 female condoms. A total of 101 sex workers received a followed-up evaluation at 2 weeks, of which 96 were included in data analysis. Predictors of condom use were analyzed for (1) any type of use; and (2) use with commercial partners. RESULTS: The strongest predictors of female condom use among this sample of sex workers were (1) living with someone with a drug or alcohol problem; (2) having heard of the female condom; and (3) homelessness. Current physical or sexual abuse by a commercial partner and marriage decreased the probability of female condom use. CONCLUSIONS: Female condom distribution encouraged sex workers who may be most vulnerable or who reported characteristics or behaviors associated with the highest sexually transmitted disease and HIV risk to try female condoms with commercial partners. Implications for intervention development include the need to develop innovative programs provided on the street (e.g., through peers) that can access homeless, drug-using sex workers in the most at-risk environments.

PIP: This study investigated the characteristics of street sex workers that influence the initial use of the female condom in New York City. Interviews, demonstration of proper female condom use and distribution of 10 female condoms were conducted among 113 female sex workers. Only 96 respondents were included in the study after a 2-week follow-up evaluation. Measure variables used in the study included sociodemographic characteristics, drug history, sexual risk behavior, and victimization, while dependent variables were female condom use for any reason and female condom use with commercial sexual partners. Results revealed that the 3 strongest variables associated with female condom use were the following: 1) living with anyone with a drug-alcohol problem; 2) having heard of the female condom; and 3) physical or sexual abuse by a commercial partner. This study emphasized the need to develop innovative programs that focus on street workers, with information promotion carried out in areas of sex work strolls which addresses the issues of accessibility and ease of use among sex workers.

AIDS chief says nonoxynol-9 not effective against HIV.

PIP: According to Dr. Peter Piot, executive director of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the international multi-site trial of the spermicide nonoxynol-9 in gel form has shown that it is not effective in protecting women from HIV infection. This large-scale Phase III efficacy trial was conducted among female sex workers in Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, South Africa, and Thailand. Apart from receiving the trial microbicide or a placebo, participants also received classical HIV prevention support, such as free condoms, free treatment for sexually transmitted infections, counseling, and peer support. One positive outcome of the trial is that fewer of the sex workers who participated became infected with HIV, compared with the sex workers who did not participate at all in the study. However, Piot states that even if the results of the trials are disappointing, the search for an effective microbicide continues. To this effect, at least 36 compounds are at the preclinical testing stage, while 20 are ready for early safety trials in human volunteers and three additional compounds are being considered for large-scale trials.^ieng

Loose women or lost women? The re-emergence of the myth of white slavery in contemporary discourses of trafficking in women.

This article compares current concerns about "trafficking in women" with turn of the century discourses about "white slavery". It traces the emergence of narratives on "white slavery" and their reemergence in the moral panics and boundary crises of contemporary discourses on "trafficking in women". Drawing on historical analysis and contemporary representations of sex worker migration, the paper argues that the narratives of innocent, virginal victims purveyed in the "trafficking in women" discourse are a modern version of the myth of "white slavery". These narratives, the article argues, reflect persisting anxieties about female sexuality and women's autonomy. Racialized representations of the migrant "Other" as helpless, child-like, victims strips sex workers of their agency. This article argues that while the myth of "trafficking in women"/"white slavery" is ostensibly about protecting women, the underlying moral concern is with the control of "loose women". Through the denial of migrant sex workers' agency, these discourses serve to reinforce notions of female dependence and purity that serve to further marginalize sex workers and undermine their human rights.

Sexual trafficking in women: international political economy and the politics of sex.

A recent manifestation of the North/South, East/West political-economic divide is the international sex trade in women, of which trafficking in women for purposes of sexual employment is a large subset. Trafficking in humans in general, and women in particular, has taken center stage in many nation-states as an issue of a threat to national security and societal cohesion. This article explores some of the basic facts about trafficking and spotlights it as a truly global phenomenon, with its contemporary origins in the international capitalist market system. Furthermore, it argues that the international political economy of sex not only includes the supply side--the women of the third world, the poor states, or exotic Asian women--but it cannot maintain itself without the demand from the organizers of the trade--the men from industrialized and developing countries. The patriarchal world system hungers for and sustains the international subculture of docile women from underdeveloped nations.