title: Self-perceived stigma, depressive symptoms, and suicidal behaviors among female sex workers in China.
abstract: Data regarding female sex workers' (FSWs) self-perceived stigma and their mental health are limited, particularly in developing countries. This study, using a cross-sectional survey among 310 FSWs in China, addresses this issue. Data indicate that most of these FSWs had medium to high levels of self-perceived stigma, 30% had elevated depressive symptoms, 18% had suicidal ideation, and 9% had suicidal attempt in the past 6 months. After controlling for potential confounders, FSWs' high-level self-perceived stigma was significantly associated with their poor mental health. The authors call for culturally appropriate approaches to reduce stigma and promote psychological well-being among this marginalized and vulnerable population.
authors.affiliation: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-1266, USA. yhong@srph.tamhsc.edu
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Xiaoyi
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Fang
authors.forename: Xiaoming
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Mingquiang
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tai-Seale
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011287:Prejudice; D011594:Psychometrics; D012647:Self-Assessment; D011477:Sex Work / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult