Drug dependence and associated risks among female street-based sex workers in the greater Sydney area, Australia.
BACKGROUND
This study examines drug use and dependence and associated risks among female street-based sex workers.


METHODS
Cross-sectional data collected from 72 women between April and August 2005 in Sydney, Australia, via face-to-face interviews.


METHODS
The average age was 34 years.


RESULTS
Risk factors associated with developing problematic drug use were prevalent. Child sexual abuse, leaving home before the age of 16, and exposure to multiple traumas was common. Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder were also prevalent. A substantial minority reported cocaine dependence which was associated with engaging in sex and injecting risk behaviors.


CONCLUSIONS
More targeted interventions for this group are needed. Research on the value of extending existing outreach services to further reduce the harms associated with sex work and drug use is indicated. The study's limitations are noted.
Roxburgh
Amanda
A
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. a.roxburgh@unsw.edu
Degenhardt
Louisa
L
Copeland
Jan
J
Larance
Briony
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D016578:Crack Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D016578:Crack Cocaine