Independent researcher.
School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand.
Afr J Reprod Health. 2022 May;26(5):72-80. doi: 10.29063/ajrh2022/v26i5.8.
The sexual and reproductive health of female sex workers in Southern Africa is particularly important, given the high prevalence of HIV among this population. This paper presents the results of a rapid assessment study conducted prior to the implementation of the "SRHR-HIV Knows No Borders" project in six Southern African countries. Trained interviewers interviewed 20 sex workers across 10 high migration communities. Data were analysed thematically. Participants were well informed about and were able to access preventive methods for STIs and pregnancy, although reports of condom failures were common. While sex workers found SRH services easily accessible, many reported experiences of stigma and discrimination when accessing them. Physical and sexual violence were common occurrences among participants, both from their clients and the police. In addition to addressing stigma within the healthcare and broader community, interventions could provide opportunities for those looking to exit the industry by providing skills training and microfinance support.
性工作者在南非的性健康和生殖健康尤其重要，因为该人群中 HIV 的流行率很高。本文介绍了在六个南部非洲国家实施“性健康和生殖健康-艾滋病无国界”项目之前进行的快速评估研究的结果。经过培训的访谈者在 10 个高移民社区采访了 20 名性工作者。数据进行了主题分析。参与者对性传播感染和怀孕的预防方法有充分的了解并能够获得这些方法，尽管报告的避孕套失败情况很常见。尽管性工作者发现性健康服务很容易获得，但许多人在获得这些服务时报告了受到污名化和歧视的经历。参与者都经历过来自客户和警察的身体和性暴力。除了在医疗保健和更广泛的社区内解决污名问题外，干预措施还可以通过提供技能培训和小额供资支持，为那些希望退出该行业的人提供机会。
