title: Correlates of Mental Depression Among Female Sex Workers in Southern India.
abstract: Mental health is an integral part of overall health status but has been a largely neglected issue in the developing world especially among female sex workers (FSWs). This study examines the prevalence and correlates of major depression among FSWs in southern India. Major depression was assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire-2 depression scale data from a cross-sectional Behavioral Tracking Survey, 2010-2011 conducted among FSWs (n = 1986) in Andhra Pradesh, a state in southern India. Almost two-fifths of FSWs (39%) reported major depression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows a significant association between major depression and the following characteristics for FSWs: low autonomy, alcohol use, experience of violence, police arrest, inconsistent condom use with clients, mobility for sex work, and being HIV positive or not wanting to disclose HIV status. Research and advocacy efforts are needed to ensure that the mental health issues of marginalized groups are appropriately addressed in HIV prevention programs.
authors: HIV and AIDS Program, Population Council, New Delhi, India sangrampatel@gmail.com.
authors: Sangram Kishor
authors: SK
authors: Patel
authors: HIV and AIDS Program, Population Council, New Delhi, India.
authors: Niranjan
authors: N
authors: Saggurti
authors: HIV and AIDS Program, Population Council, New Delhi, India.
authors: Saroj
authors: S
authors: Pachauri
authors: India HIV/AIDS Alliance, Hyderabad, India.
authors: Parimi
authors: P
authors: Prabhakar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D060386:Sex Workers / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
keywords: female sex worker; major depression; mental health; south India