Intersecting Stigma and the HIV Care Cascade: Qualitative Insights from Sex Workers, Men who have Sex with Men, and Transgender Women Living with HIV in Jamaica.

In Jamaica, stigma experiences of sex workers (SW), gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women living with HIV remain understudied. To address this gap, we explored experiences of stigma and linkages with the HIV care cascade among key populations living with HIV in Jamaica, including cisgender women SW, MSM, and transgender women. This qualitative study involved n = 9 focus groups (FG), n = 1 FG per population living with HIV (SW, MSM, transgender women) in each of three sites (Kingston, St. Ann, Montego Bay). We also conducted key informant (KI) interviews. We applied thematic analysis informed by the Health Stigma and Discrimination (HSD) Framework. FG participants (n = 67) included SW (n = 18), MSM (n = 28), and trans women (n = 21); we interviewed n = 10 KI (n = 5 cisgender women, n = 5 cisgender men). Participant discussions revealed that stigma drivers included low HIV treatment literacy, notably misinformation about antiretroviral therapy (ART) benefits and HIV acquisition risks, and a lack of legal protection from discrimination. Stigma targets health (HIV) and intersecting social identities (sex work, LGBTQ identities, gender non-conformity, low socio-economic status). Stigma manifestations included enacted stigma in communities and families, and internalized stigma-including lateral violence. HIV care cascade impacts included reduced and/or delayed HIV care engagement and ART adherence challenges/disruptions. Participants discussed strategies to live positively with HIV, including ART adherence as stigma resistance; social support and solidarity; and accessing affirming institutional support. In addition to addressing intersecting stigma, future research and programing should bolster multi-level stigma-resistance strategies to live positively with HIV.

Incentivizing adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention: a randomized pilot trial among male sex workers in Mexico.

Low adherence to preventative medications against life-long health conditions is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. We implemented a pilot randomized controlled trial in Mexico to measure the extent to which conditional economic incentives help male sex workers increase their adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. We followed n = 110 male sex workers over 6 months. At each quarterly visit (at months 0, 3, and 6), all workers received a $10 transport reimbursement, a free 3-month PrEP supply, and completed socio-behavioral surveys. The primary outcome was an objective biomarker of medication adherence based on tenofovir (TFV) drug concentration levels in hair collected at each visit. Individuals randomized to the intervention received incentives based on a grading system as a function of PrEP adherence: those with high (> 0.043 ng/mg TFV concentration), medium (0.011 to 0.042 ng/mg), or low (< 0.011 ng/mg) adherence received $20, $10, or $0, respectively. Six-month pooled effects of incentives on PrEP adherence were analyzed using population-averaged gamma generalized estimating equation models. We estimated heterogeneous treatment effects by sex worker characteristics. The incentive intervention led to a 28.7% increase in hair antiretroviral concentration levels over 6 months consistent with increased PrEP adherence (p = 0.05). The effect of incentives on PrEP adherence was greater for male sex workers who were street-based (vs. internet) workers (p < 0.10). These pilot findings suggest that modest conditional economic incentives could be effective, at scale, for improving PrEP adherence among male sex workers, and should be tested in larger implementation trials. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03674983.

Exposure to Treponema pallidum among Female Sex Workers: A Retrospective Study Conducted in the State of Pará, Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis remains a significant global public health issue, and female sex workers (FSWs) are highly vulnerable to the etiological agent of this disease. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of exposure to Treponema pallidum, as well as the vulnerability factors among FSWs in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: A cross-sectional, retrospective study involving 360 FSWs from five cities in Pará was conducted from 2005 to 2007. Blood samples were collected for treponemal and non-treponemal testing, and epidemiological information was obtained through interviews. RESULTS: The exposure rate to T. pallidum was 37.7% (136/360), and the majority of FSWs had serological results indicating past exposure (21.1%). Among the FSWs exposed to T. pallidum, most of them were single, aged 23 to 42 years old, had less than 8 years of schooling, and had a family income of between 1 and 3 minimum wages. They reported using condoms during sexual intercourse and had no history of sexually transmitted infection (STI). Furthermore, many of the FSWs exposed to T. pallidum reported having more than 20 sexual partners per month, and had partners from other Brazilian states, but not from other countries. An age over 42 years and a reduced level of education were factors associated with exposure to T. pallidum. Finally, a high rate of exposure to T. pallidum among FSWs in the Brazilian state of Pará (from 2005 to 2007) was detected. In later years, epidemiological studies conducted with FSWs recorded that this rate remained high. Measures to control, treat, and prevent syphilis among FSWs were necessary between 2005 and 2007, and they are still imperative today. Actions related to educational programs and STI control, treatment, and prevention measures contained in Brazilian policies aimed at women's health have not changed the vulnerability scenario of FSWs regarding their exposure to T. pallidum, even after 16 years, and must be reviewed and adapted to the conditions of the Brazilian Amazon.

Prevalência e fatores de riscos relacionados a comportamentos suicidas em profissionais do sexo / Prevalencia y factores de riesgo relacionados con la conducta suicidal en trabajadores sexuales / Prevalence and risk factors related to suicidal behavior in sex workers

Introdução: O trabalho sexual consentido é, historicamente, permeado por estigmas, proporcionando a marginalização social de profissionais do sexo e sua maior exposição a fatores de riscos que tendenciam a condutas suicidas. Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência e dos fatores de riscos relacionados a comportamentos suicidas em profissionais do sexo, tendo em vista a vulnerabilidade social desse grupo. Metodologia: Este estudo é uma revisão integrativa de literatura, determinada a partir da seguinte questão de pesquisa: "Qual a prevalência e os fatores de riscos relacionados a comportamentos suicidas entre profissionais do sexo?". Em seguida, aplicou os subsequentes Descritores em Ciências da Saúde: "Suicide" e "Sex workers", que foram combinados com o operador booleano "AND", nas plataformas National Library of Medicine, Science Direct, Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe, Scientific Eletronic Library Online, BioMed Central, Business Source Completee WorldWideScience. Foram selecionados 19 artigos relacionados ao objeto de estudo. Resultados: A prevalência de suicídio em profissionais do sexo foi classificada em três subcategorias: tentativas de suicídio, com predominância de 31,57% (n=6), ideação suicida com 15,78% (n=3) e o risco de suicídio com 5,26% (n=1). Os riscos de comportamentos suicidas foram associados a diversos fatores, sobretudo a violência (47,36%; n=9), depressão (26,31%; n=5) e a pobreza (15,78%; n=3). Conclusões: Há uma alta prevalência de comportamentos suicidas em profissionais do sexo que está associada a diversos fatores de riscos, verificando a carência de abordagens comunitárias direcionadas à vulnerabilidade social desse grupo (AU).

Introduction: Consensual sex work has historically been permeated by stigma, leading to the social marginalization of sex workers and their increased exposure to risk factors that tend to correlate with suicidal behaviors. Objective:To explore the prevalence and risk factors related to suicidal behavior in sex workers, considering the social vulnerability of this group. Methodology: This study is an integrative literature review, guided by the research question: "What is the prevalence and risk factors related to suicidal behaviors among sex workers?" The following Health Science Descriptors were applied: "Suicide" and "Sex workers," combined with the boolean operator "AND," on platforms such as the National Library of Medicine, Science Direct, Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe, Scientific Eletronic Library Online, BioMed Central, Business Source Complete, and WorldWideScience. Nineteen articles related to the study's objectivewere selected. Results:The prevalence of suicide among sex workers were classified into three subcategories: suicide attempts, with a predominance of 31.57% (n=6), suicidal ideation with 15.78% (n=3) and the risk of suicide with a prevalence of 5.26% (n=1). The risks of suicidal behavior were associated with several factors, especially violence (47,36%; n=9), depression (26.31%; n=5) and poverty (15.78% /n=3). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of suicidal behaviors among sex workers, associated with various risk factors, highlighting the need for community-based approaches addressing the social vulnerability of this group (AU).

Introducción: El trabajo sexual consensuado ha estado históricamente impregnado de estigmas, llevando a la marginación social de los profesionales del sexo y a una mayor exposición a factores de riesgo que tienden a asociarse con conductas suicidas. Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo relacionados con comportamientos suicidas en profesionales del sexo, considerando la vulnerabilidad social de este grupo. Metodología: Este estudio es una revisión integradora de la literatura, derivada de la siguiente pregunta de investigación: "¿Cuál es laprevalencia y los factores de riesgo relacionados con comportamientos suicidas entre los profesionales del sexo?". Posteriormente, se aplicaron los siguientes Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud: "Suicide" y "Sex workers", combinados con el operador booleano "AND", en plataformas como la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina, Science Direct, Portal de Periódicos de la Coordinación de Perfeccionamiento de Personal de Nivel Superior, Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe, Scientific Electronic Library Online, BioMed Central, Business Source Complete y WorldWideScience. Se seleccionaron 19 artículos relacionados con el objeto de estudio. Resultados: La prevalencia de suicidio en profesionales del sexo se clasificó en tres subcategorías: intentos de suicidio, con una predominancia del 31,57% (n=6), ideación suicida con el 15,78% (n=3) y el riesgo de suicidio con el 5,26% (n=1). Los riesgos de comportamientos suicidas se asociaron con varios factores, especialmente la violencia (47,36%; n=9), la depresión (26,31%; n=5) y la pobreza (15,78%; n=3). Conclusiones: Existe una alta prevalencia de comportamientos suicidas en profesionales del sexo asociada con diversos factores de riesgo, destacando la necesidad de enfoques comunitarios dirigidos a la vulnerabilidad social de este grupo (AU).

Substance use, economic vulnerability, and HIV/STI risk among female sex workers in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Economic hardship (e.g., difficulty to pay for basic needs) has been associated with increased HIV/STI risk among female sex workers (FSW), and may be exacerbated by high levels of substance use. Few studies have assessed the intersection of economic hardship, substance use, and HIV/STI risk among FSW. METHODS: Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires among 469 FSW residing in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Using logistic regression, we assessed the role of economic hardship on the association between substance use (past 30-days alcohol use, drug use, or injection drugs use with clients, and past 6-months drug use) and testing positive for an STI (also an indicator of HIV risk). RESULTS: Drug use in the preceding six months was significantly associated with testing positive for an STI (AOR = 1.8, CI: 1.1 = 2.9, p = .02); no difference in this association was found by whether women reported economic hardship. Past 30-day drug use with clients was associated with STI infection, but only among those who did not report economic hardship (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-1.9, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that economic hardship influences the association between substance use and increased risk for HIV/STI among FSW; however, these associations may be more complex than previously hypothesized.

Barriers and facilitators to scaling up access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among key populations: A qualitative study of the incentive-based PrEP Seguro program in Mexico.

Introduction: Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly safe and effective for HIV prevention, yet barriers to PrEP access and adherence persist among key populations. In Mexico, incentive-based pilot programs have been effective in improving PrEP adherence among male sex workers. Understanding the experiences of providers and program implementers is critical to integrating PrEP adherence programs as part of standard care in Mexico and similar settings. Methods: We conducted 17 in-depth informational interviews with care providers and staff responsible for administering PrEP to key populations (men who have sex with men, male sex workers, transgender women) in Mexico City. Interviews explored successes and challenges surrounding current PrEP implementation, as well as adaptations that could facilitate national scale-up of PrEP programs in Mexico. Informant transcripts were analyzed using a hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach utilizing CFIR constructs for the initial codebook while allowing for inductive findings. Results: Three key themes emerged from informant interviews as important for promoting PrEP programs in Mexico: 1) increasing individual PrEP access, 2) strengthening quality of care, and 3) improving organizational and structural support. Conclusions: PrEP in Mexico is currently only available in a few clinics with high patient populations, and siloed HIV services, stigma, and a lack of inter-organizational collaboration remain persistent barriers to PrEP uptake. Promoting government collaboration and increasing financial support for community-based organizations is needed to expand PrEP access. Tailored, destigmatizing information about PrEP services needs to be diffused among both staff and patients to strengthen care quality.

Molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 among adult female sex workers at the Guatemala-Mexico border.

ABSTRACTSex workers have been demonstrated to have increased vulnerabilities to HIV and a high population prevalence of the disease. Despite their increased risk, sex workers have been underrepresented in molecular epidemiology studies assessing HIV in Mesoamerica. This study aims to describe the sociodemographic characteristics and phylogenetic profile of HIV-1 within a cohort of HIV-positive female sex workers (FSW) situated at the Guatemala-Mexico border. HIV viral sequences were collected from a cohort of FSW ≥18 years of age from San Marcos, Guatemala (n = 6) and compared to viral sequences collected as part of the Mesoamerican Drug Resistance Monitoring Programme to assess HIV viral diversity in Mexico and Guatemala (n = 3956). All of the FSW sampled were determined to have genetically unrelated HIV infections, suggesting multiple introductions of the virus and/or the potential existence of populations not captured by current surveillance efforts. Many reported numerous vulnerabilities that may have heightened their risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV through sex work activities. Our phylogenetic analysis indicated that national surveillance programmes may not fully capture the viral diversity among FSW and their clients within this region. Additional research is needed to fully capture HIV diversity and transmission in Mesoamerica, especially in the Guatemala-Mexico border region.

The preventable burden of mortality from unsafe abortion among female sex workers: a Community Knowledge Approach survey among peer networks in eight countries.

Previous studies have found high levels of unintended pregnancy among female sex workers (FSW), but less attention has been paid to their abortion practices and outcomes. This study is the first to investigate abortion-related mortality among FSW across eight countries: Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. The Community Knowledge Approach (CKA) was used to survey a convenience sample of FSW (n = 1280). Participants reported on the deaths of peer FSW in their social networks during group meetings convened by non-governmental organisations (n = 165 groups, conducted across 24 cities in 2019). Details on any peer FSW deaths in the preceding five years were recorded. The circumstances of abortion-related deaths are reported here. Of the 1320 maternal deaths reported, 750 (56.8%) were due to unsafe abortion. The number of abortion-related deaths reported was highest in DRC (304 deaths reported by 270 participants), Kenya (188 deaths reported by 175 participants), and Nigeria (216 deaths reported by 312 participants). Among the abortion-related deaths, mean gestational age was 4.6 months and 75% occurred outside hospital. Unsafe abortion methods varied by country, but consumption of traditional or unknown medicines was most common (37.9% and 29.9%, respectively). The 750 abortion-related deaths led to 1207 children being left motherless. The CKA successfully recorded a stigmatised practice among a marginalised population, identifying very high levels of abortion-related mortality. Urgent action is now needed to deliver comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare to this vulnerable population, including contraption, safe abortion, and post-abortion care.

Perceptions of quality of life by female sex workers from the rural area of the Sertão Produtivo Baiano, Brazil: a phenomenological study.

INTRODUCTION: Paid sexual services performed by women are surrounded by stigma and associated prejudice and shame results in vulnerability, making it very difficult for these women to achieve a good quality of life. Such an environment is exacerbated by intersectionalities that mark the trajectory of women who have the ability and desire to obtain income in sexual practice. They experience inequities in gender, race and class and, above all, bear marks of struggle and survival, being residents of a poor, rural region of Brazil, far from urban centers. The objective of this study was to understand the meanings that female sex workers living in rural areas attribute to quality of life using Sartre's phenomenological perspective. METHODS: This was a qualitative study from a larger project. For this study, we interviewed 30 female sex workers living in a rural area of the Sertão Produtivo da Bahia region, Brazil. The in-depth interview comprised two guiding questions: (1) 'Tell me what you mean by quality of life, as a sex worker'; and (2) 'Tell me how you experience well-being and quality of life when you are a sex worker and a rural resident'. The narratives resulting from the interviews were organized, categorized and operationalized from the hermeneutics dialectic. The interpretations were anchored in theoretical reference to Sartre's phenomenology. RESULTS: Some meanings were congruent in the women's narratives of their daily lives (described or observed), giving rise to three categories of analysis: the sex workers' concept of quality of life; whether they believed they have good quality of life or not; and what is required to achieve good quality of life. Three categories emerged, organized in a framework, the themes of which refer to the experience of sex workers as poor women living in the countryside: (1) quality of life as a synonym for health, food, and healthy life; (2) difficulties in achieving good quality of life; and (3) without money, there is no quality of life. CONCLUSION: The fact that these female sex workers come from a poor region of Brazil and live in a rural area far from urban centers leads to unique difficulties for them. They suffer from marginalization and restricted social services as a result of their circumstances, and highly value the freedom to face the difficulties of day-to-day life that their income from sex work provides. Good quality of life for these women is achieved by striving for physical health, food, and well-being (goals made attainable by that income), but can be hindered by violence.

Percepciones sobre salud (física, mental y bucal) en un grupo de mujeres en situación de prostitución en la ciudad de Medellín / Perceptions about health (physical, mental and oral) in a group of women in situation of prostitution in the city of Medellin

Introducción: las mujeres y las personas trans que han ejercido el trabajo sexual se encuentran vulneradas puesto que son víctimas de discriminación por su condición laboral, por su género y por los riesgos que acarrea esta labor, y esto impacta en su situación de salud. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer las percepciones sobre salud (física, mental y bucal) en cuatro mujeres que ejercen la prostitución en Medellín, a partir de sus experiencias de vida y aquellas relacionadas con su contexto social. Métodos: se realizó una investigación cualitativa con enfoque etnográfico para analizar las situaciones mencionadas de acuerdo con el objetivo general. Se contó con la participación de cuatro mujeres: dos de nacionalidad venezolana y dos de nacionalidad colombiana; se llevaron a cabo entrevistas semiestructuradas. Se realizó análisis de contenido cualitativo, lo cual permitió la generación de cuatro categorías (salud mental, salud bucal, salud general y calidad de vida). Resultados: sus discursos permitieron elucidar la conexión entre las condiciones de vida y la situación de salud. La falta de oportunidades laborales, un proceso migratorio de profundos cambios económicos y sociales, y una Colombia con inequidades y barreras de acceso a servicios de salud y sociales, son procesos determinantes de orden general, particular y singular de las precarias condiciones de salud bucal y general. Conclusiones: la población participante se encuentra en situación de vulnerabilidad social y de salud, lo cual evidencia la necesidad de políticas públicas y estrategias basadas en la realidad social que contribuyan a generar equidad en salud.

Introduction: women and trans people who have engaged in sex work are triply vulnerable since they are victims of discrimination due to their employment status, their gender, and the risks that this work entails, this impacts their health situation. This study aimed to know the perceptions about health (physical, mental, and oral) of four women who work in prostitution in Medellin, based on their life experiences and those related to their social context. Methods: qualitative research with an ethnographic approach was conducted to analyze the situations mentioned. Four women participated, two Venezuelans and two Colombians, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Qualitative content analysis was performed, which allowed the generation of four categories (mental health, oral health, general health, and quality of life). Results: her discourses made it possible to elucidate the connection between the living conditions and the health situation. Lack of job opportunities, a migratory process of profound economic and social changes, and a Colombia with inequities and barriers to access to health and social services are determining processes of a general and singular order of the precarious conditions of oral health and general. Conclusions: the participating population is in a situation of social and health vulnerability, which shows the need for public policies and strategies based on the social reality that contribute to generating equity in health.

Barriers to Condom Negotiation and Use Among Female Sex Workers in the United States and United States-Mexico Border Cities: A Systematic Review.

Despite the effectiveness of male condoms, many Female Sex Workers (FSWs) report using condoms infrequently with multiple clients during sexual activity. As such, inconsistent condom use by FSWs is a public health concern as it can increase STI and HIV transmission. This systematic review synthesized extant evidence regarding barriers to condom use experienced by FSWs in the U.S and U.S. - Mexico border towns. The search was conducted through PubMed, CINAL, Cochrane, Medline, and PsychInfo. Studies were included if: they were conducted in the U.S. or U.S. - Mexico borders, their target population was FSWs, they examined condom use barriers experienced by FSWs, and they were published in English between 2011 and February 2021. Condom use barriers among FSWs were reported in all the articles including alcohol consumption and drug use before sex, venue stability, socio-economic status vulnerability, violence and gendered power dynamics, trust of regular clients, and age. The review findings indicate the need to develop interventions promoting condom use for both FSWs and their clients, as well as alternative interventions for HIV prevention such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Trajectories of HIV management among virally suppressed and unsuppressed female sex workers in the Dominican Republic: A comparative qualitative analysis.

PURPOSE: Despite suboptimal HIV outcomes among female sex workers (FSW), limited research has been conducted on factors that impact viral suppression among this population. Examining narratives of HIV management, we examined how experiences of diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing care behaviours shaped viral suppression outcomes over time. METHODS: We conducted 20 in-depth interviews with FSW in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Using narrative and thematic qualitative approaches, we developed analytic summaries and matrices to compare trajectories of managing HIV between suppressed and unsuppressed participants. RESULTS: Regardless of suppression status, participants described similar narratives of overcoming initial challenges to HIV management through personal resilience and social support. Unsuppressed participants identified more delays in initiating antiretroviral therapy and more lapses in adherence due to less active acceptance of their HIV status and more persistent experiences of economic hardship and HIV stigma. CONCLUSIONS: We found that individual, interpersonal and structural factors, including stigma and economic precarity, differentiated trajectories towards viral suppression among FSW indicating the importance of multilevel interventions. Improved access to mental health services and social support could promote greater early acceptance of HIV status and progress towards viral suppression among FSW.

Autocuidado na perspectiva de trabalhadoras sexuais para prevenção e enfrentamento à pandemia do SARS-CoV-2 / Self-care from the perspective by female sex workers to prevent and face the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Resumo Objetivou-se identificar os significados atribuídos ao autocuidado e a relação deste com as ações adotadas por trabalhadoras sexuais na prevenção e enfrentamento à COVID-19. Estudo qualitativo, apoiado na teoria de Enfermagem do Autocuidado. Realizou-se entrevista em profundidade com 30 trabalhadoras sexuais, do Alto Sertão Produtivo Baiano. Utilizou-se o software IRAMUTEQ para análise dos discursos, com o dendrograma da Classificação Hierárquica Descendente. Evidenciou-se quatro classes que revelam os significados atribuídos ao autocuidado: a ideia de que o autocuidado promove obter qualidade de vida e bem-estar; o dinheiro como instrumento facilitador de ações de autocuidado, tanto na prevenção da COVID-19, quanto para enfrentamento das dificuldades; além da noção de que o autocuidado contribui para o cuidado daqueles(as) que as cercam. Conclui-se que as trabalhadoras sexuais demonstraram entender o conceito de autocuidado em associação a noção de precaução, enquanto a prevenção é feita mediante as recomendações feitas por órgãos competentes. Outrossim, percebeu-se um déficit de autocuidado pelas próprias condições presentes no serviço sexual e nas dificuldades impostas pela pandemia.

Abstract The objective was to identify the meanings attributed to self-care and its relationship with the actions taken by female sex workers in preventing and coping with COVID-19. Qualitative study supported by the Self-Care Nursing theory. An in-depth interview was carried out with 30 female sex workers from the Alto Sertão Produtivo Baiano. The IRAMUTEQ software was used to analyze the speeches, with the Descending Hierarchical Classification dendrogram. Four classes were observed, revealing the meanings attributed to self-care: the idea that self-care promotes quality of life and well-being; money as a facilitating instrument for self-care actions, both in preventing COVID-19 and in coping with difficulties; in addition to the notion that self-care contributes to the care of those around them. It is concluded that the female sex workers demonstrated to understand the concept of self-care in association with the notion of precaution, while prevention is carried out through the recommendations made by competent bodies. Furthermore, a self-care deficit was noticed due to the conditions present in the sexual service and the difficulties imposed by the pandemic.

Quality of life from women's perspective in the exercise of sex work: a study of social representations / Calidad de vida de las mujeres en el trabajo sexual: estudio de las representaciones sociales / Qualidade vida na perspectiva de mulheres no exercício do trabalho sexual: estudo de representações sociais

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the social representations elaborated by sex workers from Alto Sertão Produtivo Baiano about quality of life. Methods: a qualitative study, based on the Social Representation Theory, carried out in the region of Alto Sertão Produtivo Baiano, with 30 sex workers. Individual in-depth interview was carried out, with speeches organized in a corpus and treated in IRAMUTEQ, enabling lexical analysis for Descending Hierarchical Classification. Results: four thematic classes emerged, in which social representations of quality of life pervade: money earned to supply needs; association with healthy living and obtaining health (physical and mental); balance of emotions (although there are some negative sensations such as fear and anxiety); and faith in a deity. Final Considerations: the social representations elaborated by sex workers about quality of life are anchored in concepts, subjective and practical, punctuated by the World Health Organization.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar las representaciones sociales elaboradas por trabajadoras sexuales del Alto Sertão Produtivo Baiano sobre la calidad de vida. Métodos: estudio cualitativo, basado en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales, realizado en la región de Alto Sertão Produtivo Baiano, con 30 trabajadoras sexuales. Entrevista individual en profundidad, con discursos organizados en un corpus y tratados en IRAMUTEQ, posibilitando el análisis léxico para Clasificación Jerárquica Descendente. Resultados: surgieron cuatro clases temáticas, en las que impregnan las representaciones sociales de la calidad de vida: el dinero ganado para suplir las necesidades; para la asociación con la vida sana y la obtención de la salud (física y mental); el equilibrio de las emociones (aunque hay algunas sensaciones negativas como el miedo y la ansiedad); y la fe en una deidad. Consideraciones Finales: las representaciones sociales elaboradas por las trabajadoras sexuales sobre la calidad de vida están ancladas en conceptos, subjetivos y prácticos, puntuados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar as representações sociais elaboradas por trabalhadoras sexuais procedentes do Alto Sertão Produtivo Baiano sobre qualidade de vida. Métodos: estudo qualitativo, baseado na Teoria das Representações Sociais, realizado na Região do Alto Sertão Produtivo Baiano, com 30 trabalhadoras sexuais. Realizou-se entrevista em profundidade individual, com discursos organizados em um corpus e tratados no software IRAMUTEQ, possibilitando a análise lexical para a Classificação Hierárquica Descendente. Resultados: revelaram-se quatro classes temáticas, nas quais as representações sociais da qualidade de vida perpassam: pelo dinheiro conquistado para suprimento das necessidades; pela associação à vida saudável e obtenção da saúde (física e mental); pelo equilíbrio das emoções (ainda que haja algumas sensações negativas como o medo e ansiedade); e pela fé em uma divindade. Considerações Finais: as representações sociais elaboradas pelas trabalhadoras sexuais acerca da qualidade de vida estão ancoradas em conceitos, subjetivos e práticos, pontuados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde.

HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT-HIV) effectiveness for sexual risk-reduction among key populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: HIV disproportionately affects people who inject drugs, transgender people, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and incarcerated people. Recognized as key populations (KP), these groups face increased impact of HIV infection and reduced access to health assistance. In 1990, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention organized technical guidance on HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT-HIV), with subsequent trials comparing intervention methodologies, no longer recommending this strategy. However, KP needs have not been explicitly considered. Methods: We assessed VCT-HIV effectiveness for sexual risk-reduction among KP (PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020088816). We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, Global Health, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed, controlled trials from February, 2020, to April, 2022. We screened the references list and contacted the main authors, extracted data through Covidence, applied the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool, and performed the meta-analysis using Review Manager. Findings: We identified 17 eligible trials, including 10,916 participants and evaluated HIV risk behaviors. When compared to baseline, VCT-HIV reduced unsafe sex frequency (Z=5.40; p<0.00001, I²=0%). Interpretation: While our meta-analysis identified VCT-HIV as protective for sexual risk behaviors for among KP, the results are limited to MSM and PWID, demonstrating the paucity of data on the other KP. Also, it highlights the importance of applying a clear VCT-HIV guideline as well as properly training the counselors. Funding: Research funded by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPQ/MS-DIAHV N° 24/2019), and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior.

Serological Confirmed Syphilis Among Transgender Women in Dominican Republic.

Purpose: Transgender women (TW) in the Dominican Republic (DR) are at high risk for syphillis infection. Although treatable, infection rates remain at epidemic proportions. Methods: In 2016, we conducted a national survey, with serological sampling of TW in the DR (n=255). Results: In our sample, syphillis seropositivity was 47.45%. There was a statistically significant association between age (t=-2.93, df, p<0.01), arrest history (χ 2=8.15, p<0.01), exposure to violence (χ 2=3.73, p<0.05), and syphilis seropositivity. Multivariate analyses show TW arrested in the past 6 months have higher odds of seropositivity (odds ratio=2.05, confidence interval: 1.04-4.06, p<0.05). Conclusions: There is a need for education and public health campaigns focused on TW specifically.

Sexual Violence and Low Rates of HIV Post-exposure Prophylaxis Access Among Female Sex Workers in Brazil.

Female sex workers (FSW) are disproportionately affected by sexual violence (SV) and HIV. Social and structural barriers limit their access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Respondent-driven sampling survey in 12 Brazilian cities among 4188 FSW aimed to estimate the rates of SV and factors associated with access to PEP use among FSW who experienced SV. The prevalence of SV was 26.3% (1199). Of the 1199, 7.5% sought out healthcare and used PEP, 19% sought out healthcare, but did not use PEP, and 73.5% did not seek out healthcare after SV. Factors associated with PEP use included PEP awareness, participation in HIV/STI prevention workshops, and disclosure of FSW status in healthcare services. Although Brazil has a PEP program free of charge, it is not readily accessible, even for FSW who seek out healthcare. The development of effective strategies to link FSW to HIV preventive services is urgently needed.

RESUMEN: Mujeres trabajadoras sexuales (MTS) se ven afectadas de manera desproporcionada por la violencia sexual (VS) y el VIH. Las barreras sociales y estructurales limitan su acceso a la profilaxis posexposición (PEP). Encuesta de muestreo dirigida por encuestados en 12 ciudades brasileñas con 4188 MTS para estimar la prevalencia de VS y los factores asociados al uso de PEP entre MTS que experimentaron VS. La prevalencia de VS fue del 26.3% (1199). De essas, el 7.5% buscó atención médica y usó PEP, el 19% buscó atención médica pero no usó PEP y el 73.5% no buscó atención después del SV. Factores asociados con el uso de PEP: conciencia de PEP; participación en talleres educativos y divulgación del trabajo en los servicios de salud. Aunque Brasil tiene un programa de PEP gratuito, no es de fácil acceso. Es urgente el desarrollo de estrategias efectivas para vincular las MTS con servicios de prevención.

Social Representations of LGBT Old Age and Sex Workers in Brazilian Adults / Representaciones sociales de la vejez LGBT y de los profesionales sexuales en adultos brasileños

Abstract Background: The number of elderly people in the world is growing significantly, so there is an urgent need to ensure that this population can live a full life, especially taking into account the current COVID-19 pandemic scenario. Objective: To analyze the social representations of LGBT old age for male and female sex workers through the pandemic. Method: A qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory research conducted with 10 male and 10 female sex workers aged between 18 and 48. Sociodemographic questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were administered using Google Forms and then analyzed by descending hierarchical classification through the IRaMuTeQ software. Results: The analysis showed three classes: (1) «Social understanding of the topic LGBT old age,¼ (2) «Stigma of genders and sexual orientations,¼ and (3) «Physical transformations and their accompanying obstacles¼. Conclusions: The representations are associated with the difficulties that elderly people have with aging in society, as well as debating LGBT old age. There are also greater obstacles regarding aging of female sex workers. In this way, the study seeks to contribute to broaden the knowledge of the psychosocial aspects of LGBT aging and old age, especially those of sex workers.

Resumen Antecedentes: el número de personas mayores en el mundo está creciendo significativamente, por lo que urge la necesidad de asegurar que esta población pueda vivir una vida plena, especialmente, teniendo en cuenta el actual escenario pandémico de COVID-19. Objetivo: analizar las representaciones sociales de la vejez LGBT para los trabajadores del sexo masculino y femenino frente a la pandemia. Método: se trata de una investigación cualitativa, descriptiva y exploratoria. Participaron 10 hombres y 10 mujeres, de entre 18 y 48 años, todos profesionales del sexo. Se utilizaron cuestionarios sociodemográficos y entrevistas semiestructuradas, realizadas mediante Google Forms y posteriormente analizadas mediante el método de Clasificación Jerárquica Descendente, en el software IRaMuTeQ. Resultados: los análisis presentaron tres clases: (1) la comprensión social del tema de la vejez LGBT, (2) los estigmas sobre los géneros y las orientaciones sexuales y (3) los cambios físicos y los obstáculos que vienen con ellos. Conclusiones: las representaciones están asociadas a las dificultades que tienen las personas mayores para envejecer en sociedad, así como para debatir sobre la vejez LGBT. También existen obstáculos aún mayores para el envejecimiento de las mujeres profesionales del sexo. Así, el estudio anhela contribuir a la ampliación del conocimiento de los aspectos psicosociales de la vejez LGBT, en especial de los profesionales del sexo.

Perceptions of sex workers about the care received in the health care context / Percepções de profissionais do sexo sobre o cuidado recebido no contexto assistencial à saúde

Objective: sex workers are configured as a historically marginalized group for deviate of the moral and social behavior pattern dictated by conservative dogmas on which Brazil was built. Such exclusion is also expressed in public health policies, where the group is mentioned only in actions and programs aimed at sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which violates basic principles proposed by SUS (Brazilian Unified Health System). This paper aims to analyze the care received in the context of health care from the perspective of sex workers.Methods: this is a descriptive and exploratory study, with a qualitative approach, that have as referential of analysis the Collective Subject Discourse (CSD), built from a half-structured interview realized with the group in question and a socioeconomic questionnaire. The DSC is a method that assemble opinions and individual expressions in a unique testimony, written in first person singular, that gives voice to this collectivity. The collect was helped by community health agents of Family Health Unit that includes the brothel's territory.Results and Discussion: were interviewed 22 sex workers, being 19 cis woman and 3 trans woman, most of whom in a situation of social vulnerability ­ brown or black, little schooling and low rent. The speeches identified the existence of health care that does not meet the specific demands of this population, in addition to the presence of fragmented care and focused on sexual and gynecological health. The trans or cis interviewed, moreover, strong resistance to gender identity and respect for the social name by the team. In addition, there were expressions of fear in revealing the profession during medical appointment, due to the stigma and preconception that fell on them. Even so, these professionals understand that their health needs are met in SUS, which connotes a resigned view of the gaps in the care network, requiring specific health actions, programs and policies for this population.Final Considerations: the sex workers are a society's cutout that suffer daily with stigma on their pattern of sexual behavior, living an important condition of social vulnerability. This reflects on fear to seek medical services and to reveal their profession, resulting in gaps on the access and right to health in this population. It is necessary, therefore, creation of health programs and policies specifics and requalification of the health teams for the management of this patients.

Objetivo: as profissionais do sexo se configuram como um grupo historicamente marginalizado por se desviarem do padrão de comportamento moral e social ditado pelos dogmas conservadores sobre os quais o Brasil foi erguido. Tal exclusão está expressa também nas políticas públicas de saúde, nas quais o grupo é citado apenas em ações e programas voltados às infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (ISTs), o que fere os princípios doutrinários e organizativos propostos pelo SUS. O presente trabalho objetiva analisar o cuidado recebido no contexto assistencial à saúde a partir da ótica das profissionais do sexo.Método : Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa, que teve como referencial de análise o Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo (DSC), construído a partir de entrevista semiestruturada realizada com o grupo em questão. O DSC é um método que reúne as opiniões e expressões individuais semelhantes em um depoimento único, redigido em primeira pessoa do singular, que dá voz a essa coletividade. A coleta foi auxiliada pelos agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS) da Unidade de Saúde da Família que abrange o território das casas de prostituição do município.Resultados e Discussão: Foram entrevistadas 22 prostitutas, sendo 19 mulheres cis e 3 mulheres trans ou travestis, as quais, em sua maioria, encontravam-se em situação de vulnerabilidade social ­ raça preta ou parda, pouca escolaridade e baixa renda. Identificou-se nos discursos a existência de uma assistência em saúde que não atende as demandas específicas dessa população, além da presença de um cuidado fragmentado e centrado na saúde sexual e ginecológica. As entrevistadas trans ou travestis relataram, além disso, forte resistência quanto à identidade de gênero e respeito ao nome social por parte da equipe. Ademais, houve expressões de medo em revelar a profissão durante as consultas, devido ao estigma e preconceito recaídos sobre elas. Ainda assim, essas profissionais entendem que suas necessidades em saúde são supridas no SUS, o que conota uma visão resignada frente às lacunas da rede de atenção, requerendo ações, programas e políticas de saúde voltadas a esta população.Considerações Finais: As profissionais do sexo fazem parte de um recorte da sociedade que sofre diariamente com estigma sobre seu padrão de comportamento sexual, vivendo em importante condição de vulnerabilidade social. Isto se reflete em medo de buscar atendimento médico e de revelar a profissão, acarretando lacunas no acesso e direito à saúde desta população. Faz-se necessário, portanto, criação de programas e políticas de saúde específicas e (re)qualificação das equipes de saúde para o manejo destas pacientes.

Economic vulnerability, violence, and sexual risk factors for HIV among female sex workers in Tijuana, Mexico.

Economic vulnerability is often reported to underlie involvement in sex work among female sex workers (FSW), but may also create urgency in women's work, limiting women's negotiating power with clients and in turn, increasing their vulnerability for violence and HIV. This study assessed economic vulnerability in relation to violence and sexual risk behaviors for HIV among a sample of FSW in Tijuana, Mexico. FSW at least 18 years of age were recruited through venue-based sampling for a survey (n = 228) and in-depth interviews (n = 50) to investigate HIV risk factors in this region. Using crude and adjusted logistic regression models, we assessed lack of financial support from others as well as reports of financial hardship separately in relation to experiencing sexual violence (e.g. by clients, police, relationship partners, in the past 6 months), physical violence (past 6 months), STI diagnosis, and inconsistent condom use (past 30 days). Qualitative interviews (n = 50), conducted with a subsample of the survey participants, were also examined for related themes. FSW who reported no financial support were more likely to report sexual violence (OR = 2.1; 95% CI:1.1-4.2). FSW who reported financial hardship were more likely to experience sexual violence (OR = 1.9; 95% CI:1.1-3.6) and physical violence (OR = 1.9; 95% CI:1.1-3.6), as well as to report past 30-day inconsistent condom use (OR = 2.4; 95%CI: 1.3-4.6) and to test positive for an STI (OR = 1.9; 95% CI:1.1-3.4). Qualitative data substantiated these findings. Findings suggest that interventions to improve economic well-being may be useful to prevent the intersecting concerns of violence and HIV among FSW.