title: Psychological stressors in the context of commercial sex among female sex workers in China.
abstract: Because of the illegality and stigma associated with female sex workers (FSWs) in China, data were limited regarding their psychological stressors examined through the lens of occupational health. Analyzing qualitative data from 16 gatekeepers and 38 FSWs, we explored these stressors in the context of commercial sex in China. We found that FSWs faced a continuum of stressors that resulted from poverty, limited employment, lack of social protection, violence perpetrated by clients, and limited social support from peers and stable partners. We call for empowerment and a structural approach to address the needs of FSWs to improve their psychological well-being.
authors.affiliation: a Institute of Global Health, Vanderbilt University , Nashville , Tennessee , USA.
authors.forename: Chen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Xiaoming
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Shan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Qiao
authors.forename: Yuejiao
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Shaobing
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Su
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002681:China; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work / Q000523:psychology*; D060386:Sex Workers / Q000523:psychology*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D057545:Social Stigma; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014754:Violence