Services and information utilised by female sex workers for sexual and physical safety.
OBJECTIVE
To examine services utilised by female sex workers in Christchurch for sexual and physical safety.


METHODS
Estimates were made of the sex worker population in Christchurch before conducting a cross-sectional survey.


RESULTS
303 women responded. Almost all went for sexual health check-ups. Most (251) had a general practitioner, but only about half disclosed they were sex workers. Of the 135 women who used their own general practitioner for sexual health checks, 62% disclosed they were sex workers. In general, the women relied upon informal networks for information and advice, but the peer organisation of New Zealand Prostitutes Collective was also important.


CONCLUSIONS
While general practitioners were used by the majority of sex workers, high levels of nondisclosure need to be understood and redressed. The preference of sex workers for informal, peer relationships should be considered in future health promotion efforts.
Plumridge
L
L
Department of Public Health and General Practice, Christchurch School of Medicine. libbyplumridge@chmeds.ac.nz
Abel
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012494:Sampling Studies; D011477:Sex Work; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*