ABSTRACT
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has interfered with the quality of life and well-being of sex workers, as there has been a drop in income due to the absence of clients during social distancing policies. Objective: To analyze the perception that women in paid sexual service have on the quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Descriptive and qualitative study, carried out with 30 women residing in the Alto Sertão de Bahía Productive Region (Brazil), in areas where prostitution sites are located, between August and September 2020. The in-depth interview was used as a technique of information gathering, whose speeches were subjected to Semantic Content Analysis. Results: Two categories were observed, which portrayed the perception of the quality of life of the participants during the pandemic, with references to the concept and attitudinal problems indicated by the World Health Organization. The positive aspects were related to the money that sex work can bring to them and the means to obtain a healthy life, however, as something far from being achieved at that time. In turn, the statements of some women showed that the negative dimension was surrounded by demotivation with the sexual service. Conclusion: There is a quality of life associated with money and well-being, obtained with sexual service, however, they are having difficulty thinking about this aspect during the pandemic due to the reduction in customer demand. © 2021, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.