Barcelona 2013
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| Abstract #52 - E-Posters English | ||||
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Session: 50.30: E-Posters English (Poster) on Sunday in Chaired by Authors: Presenting Author: Dr. Xiaoming Li - Wayne State University, United States |
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| Additional Authors: Dr. Jordi Casabona, Sra Cristina Sanclemente, Dra. Anna Esteve, Dra. Victoria Gonzalez, Grupo HIVITS TS, | ||||
| Aim: Because of the illegality and stigma associated with commercial sex, female sex workers (FSW) in China have experienced a high prevalence of psychological pathology. However, data were limited regarding psychological stressors through the lens of occupational health. In the current study, we employed the work-stress model "Demands, Resources, and Individual Effects (DRIVE)" to capture the process by which stressors at the sex-work environment and individual differences affect FSW's mental health status. We aimed to identify potential psychological stressors within FSW's working environment. | ||||
| Method / Issue: The study was conducted in Guangxi, China. Through ethnographic mapping, we identified commercial sex venues with different types and price ranges in a tourism city. In each participating venue, we interviewed one gatekeeper and one to three FSW. In addition to venue-based FSW, we also recruited some non-venue-based FSW in the city. A total of 16 gatekeepers and 38 FSW participated in our study. We developed an interview guide based on the existing literature and employed open-ended questions regarding job characteristics such as working conditions and management styles, competitiveness, encounters with abusive clients, encounters with law enforcement agencies, and perceptions of public attitudes towards FSW. | ||||
| Results / Comments: The age of the 16 gatekeepers ranged from 20 to 60, with a mean age of 39 years and majority of them were female. The 38 FSW ranged from 18 to 44 years of age, with a mean age of 30 years. FSW's working conditions significantly varied by different locations and venues. By exploring stressors in the context of commercial sex in China, we found that FSW faced a continuum of stresses that were resulted from poverty, limited employment, lack of social protection, violence from clients, and limited social support from peers and stable partners. In addition, the various stressors as well as endless threats from their work have led to maladaptive coping among FSW. A strong sense of distress, hopelessness, and powerlessness prevails among these young women. | ||||
| Discussion: We call for empowerment and structural approach to address the needs of FSW to improve their psychological well-being. Given the disempowered status of FSW, a multi-sector and multi-level approach is needed to address structural factors as well as to improve their health and safety. In addition, a pragmatic effort would be provided for the design of a stigma-reduction campaign and offer FSW access to social, legal, and health services both in China and in international settings. | ||||
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