Sexual coercion, HIV-related risk, and mental health among female sex workers in China.
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.
Wang
Bo
B
The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics Prevention Research Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. bwang@med.wayne.edu
Li
Xiaoming
X
Stanton
Bonita
B
Fang
Xiaoyi
X
Yang
Hongmei
H
Zhao
Ran
R
Hong
Yan
Y
D000328:Adult; D018585:Battered Women / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003068:Coercion; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008603:Mental Health; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016387:Women's Health