Alcohol Consumption in Relation to Work Environment and Key Sociodemographic Characteristics Among Female Sex Workers in China

Abstract

The study explores the variation in pattern of alcohol use and related risk behaviors by types of sex work environments and sociodemographic characteristics among female sex workers (FSWs) in China. Data were collected from 1,022 FSWs in Guangxi, China, through a self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to assess the variations. Results showed that younger FSWs were more susceptible than older FSWs to nearly all the risk drinking behaviors. FSWs of non-Han ethnicity as compared with those of Han ethnicity were more at risk of drinking large amounts of alcohol and having sex under the influence of alcohol. FSWs in entertainment establishments were most likely to have all kinds of risk drinking behaviors. Street-based FSWs were least likely to drink alcohol but more or equally likely to engage in alcohol-related sexual risk behaviors. The study highlights a need to develop tailored alcohol risk reduction intervention that takes into consideration these differences.

Drug Use and Sexual Behaviors Among MSM in China

“…MBs are also more likely to be internal migrants within China who, in traveling to other cities, have less access to social support and health care benefits . Many of the characteristics and risk factors for disease of MBs are similar to Chinese female sex workers (Chen et al, 2012). Yet, MBs are often ignored in the conversation of sex work in China.…”

Drinking Reasons and Alcohol Problems by Work Venue Among Female Sex Workers in Guangxi, China

“…Street-based FSWs (who were typically working “freelance”) often do not have such a mandate to drink during work and they may even dodge alcohol use to maintain self-control given the minimum protection they can get (Agha & Chulu Nchima, 2004; Harcourt & Donovan, 2005). In contrast, entertainment FSWs usually have easy access to abundant source of alcohol and are most likely to be invited or required to drink at work (Chen et al, 2012). Therefore the statistical variability of work requirement among entertainment and street-based FSWs may be too small to allow for the assessment of associations in these venues.…”

“…Also special to the context of commercial sex is the fact that alcohol use is largely occupational-related (Chen et al, 2012; Li et al, 2010). In many commercial sex venues, alcohol sale was directly related to the profitability of a venue and/or the income of sex workers (de Ggraaf et al, 1995).…”

“…Indeed different types of sex work venues appear to feature different patterns of alcohol use behaviors (Chen et al, 2012). FSWs working in night clubs tended to have a much higher level of alcohol consumption and prevalence of binge drinking than those working in other sites such as streets and brothels (Bautista et al, 2008; Chersich et al, 2007).…”

“…Yang et al, 2005). The large profit margin of alcohol sale and the popularity of drinking for entertaining people has made alcohol the most commonly used substance in commercial sex venues in China (Chen et al, 2013; Chen et al, 2012). A Previous study among FSWs in Guangxi has documented a high frequency of monthly alcohol use (67%) and a high rate of weekly intoxication (35%), with over a third of FSWs admitting using alcohol prior to sex (Chen et al, 2012).…”