Violence as a barrier for HIV prevention among female sex workers in Argentina

PANDO MA; COLOCCINI RS; REYNAGA E; RODRIGUEZ FERMEPÍN M; GALLO VAULET L; KOCHEL TJ; MONTANO S; AVILA MM

PLOS ONE

PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE

Lugar: San Francisco; Año: 2013 vol. 8 p. 54147 - 54148

1932-6203

Background: Violence against female sex workers (FSWs) has been increasingly reported as an important determinant ofHIV infection risk. This study explores the frequency of different violent experiences (sexual abuse, rejection, beating andimprisonment) among FSWs in Argentina and its association with condom use and HIV and T. pallidum prevalence.Methods: A convenience sample of 1255 FSWs was included in a cross-sectional study conducted between October 2006and November 2009.Results: Sexual abuse was reported by 24.1% (219/907) of women. A total of 34.7% (42/1234) reported rejectionexperiences, 21.9% (267/1215) reported having been beaten and 45.4% (561/1236) stated having been arrested because oftheir sex work activity. There was a higher frequency of inconsistent condom use with clients among FSWs who hadexperienced sexual abuse, rejection, and police detention. A higher frequency of HIV and T. pallidum infection was detectedamong FSWs who reported having been arrested by the police.Conclusion: The study shows for the first time the frequency of different violent situations among FSWs in Argentina. Theassociation between violence against sex workers, condom use and STI prevalence demonstrated here calls for measures toreduce stigma and violence against FSWs. Such violent experiences may increase vulnerability to STI through coercedunprotected sex.