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Structural vulnerabilities to HIV/STI risk among female exotic dancers in Baltimore, Maryland

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Female exotic dancers (FEDs) are an important, yet understudied group of women who may engage in drug- and sex-related HIV/STI risk behaviors through their work. The study objective was to identify co-occurring indicators of vulnerability (e.g., housing, income, incarceration) associated with HIV/STI risk behavior among FEDs in Baltimore, Maryland. Surveys administered during July 2008-February 2009 captured socio-demographic characteristics, drug use, and sexual practices among dancers (N = 101) aged ≥18 years. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between vulnerability and risk behavior. Dancers with a high vulnerability score (i.e., 2 or more indicators) were more likely to report sex exchange (AOR: 10.7, 95% CIs: 2.9, 39.9) and multiple sex partnerships (AOR: 6.4, 95% CIs: 2.3, 18.3), controlling for demographics and drug use, compared to their less vulnerable counterparts. Findings point to primacy of macro-level factors that need to be addressed in HIV/STI prevention efforts targeting this and other high-risk populations.

Source: AIDS Care

DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2014.998613

Authors: Meredith L. Reilly, Danielle German, Chris Serio-Chapman, Susan G. Sherman

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore City Health Department

Language: English

Topic: Sex work and related issues

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases