Sexual Practices, Drug Use Behaviors, and Prevalence of HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C, and HTLV-1/2 in Immigrant and Non-immigrant Female Sex Workers in Argentina

Abstract

Effective HIV/STI prevention and medical care programs need to be tailored to the specific needs of both FSW groups in Argentina.

Systematic review examining differences in HIV, sexually transmitted infections and health-related harms between migrant and non-migrant female sex workers

“…Three studies included intracontinental migrants who had migrated from low-income countries to other low-income countries: Benin,25 Kenya27 and Mali 45. Three studies recruited intracontinental migrants moving from low-income to middle-income countries (Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Uruguay46 47 and Mexico 48…”

“…Some studies specified eligibility criteria to include women who self-identified as FSWs23 32 38 or used a standardised Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS definition 46 47 49 50. Three studies relied on the staff of STI clinics,44 bar managers, health service providers48 or other FSWs to identify participants 26.…”

“…Prevalence of an acute STI was consistently higher among migrants compared to non-migrants. The most frequently measured risk behaviour was condom use 23 25 33 37 42 43 46 47. Other outcomes relating to sexual behaviours included: practising of anal sex with clients47 and accepting of extra money for unprotected sex 47.…”

Sexual Violence, Condom Negotiation, and Condom Use in the Context of Sex Work

“…14,17 Analysis of factors associated with or predicting HIV infection among FSWs and clients has predominantly focused on the individual level, identifying inconsistent condom use, alcohol or other substance use, STI, and number of sexual partners/clients as key correlates of HIV infection. 12,[18][19][20] More recently, however, emerging research has demonstrated the impact of structural factors, such as criminalizing policies, workplace environment, violence, and stigma, on the HIV epidemic among FSWs. 1 In settings where stigma or laws criminalizing sex work or aspects of sex work exist, sex workers may be forced to have sex in locations where safety may be compromised, condom use during sex work may be forfeited or rushed to avoid attracting police attention, or condom distribution by HIV prevention programs may be compromised.…”

Sex Work and Risky Sexual Behaviors among Foreign Entertainment Workers in Urban Singapore: Findings from Mystery Client Survey

“…In addition, research has shown that immigrant sex workers were more likely to work in entertainment establishments such as bars and cabarets rather than from the streets because of their preference for an environment with more anonymity and less exposure to immigrant officials. 6,7 Asian countries have recently witnessed a major shift in sex work from traditional brothel settings to entertainment establishments such as bars, clubs, and hotels. 3 Sex workers in brothels in most Asian countries [8][9][10][11] have good access to condoms and STI/HIV screening and treatment services due to national 100 % condom use policies targeting these establishments.…”