Sexual Coercion, HIV-Related Risk, and Mental Health Among Female Sex Workers in China

Authors: Wang, Bo¹; Li, Xiaoming¹; Stanton, Bonita¹; Fang, Xiaoyi²; Yang, Hongmei¹; Zhao, Ran²; Hong, Yan³

Source: Health Care For Women International, Volume 28, Number 8, September 2007 , pp. 745-762(18)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

We performed this study to examine the association of sexual coercion with HIV-related risk behaviors and suicidal thoughts and attempts among female sex workers (FSWs) in Guangxi, China. Four hundred fifty-four FSWs in 57 entertainment establishments (including shampooing salons, massage parlors, and restaurants) were interviewed between March and May 2004. Fifteen percent of the women reported having been coerced into sex in the last 6 months. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in the last 6 months were 14.3% and 8.4%, respectively. Sexual coercion was significantly associated with both an increased rate of HIV-related risk behavior, and suicidal thoughts and attempts among FSWs. Therefore, along with the awareness and intervention programs, efforts should be taken to reduce the exposure of FSWs to sexual coercion and to improve the mental health of FSWs.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07399330701465226

Affiliations: 1: The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics Prevention Research Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA 2: Beijing Normal University Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing, China 3: Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA

Publication date: 2007-09-01

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