Impact of COVID-19 on Profession and Health of Female Sex Workers: Apprehension, Acquiescence, and Resilience

• Published in: Archives of sexual behavior Vol. 53; no. 6; pp. 2405 - 2416
• Main Authors: Samudyatha, U. C., Kosambiya, J. K., Rathore, Manvendra Singh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01-06-2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adult; Behavioral Science and Psychology; COVID-19; COVID-19 - epidemiology; COVID-19 - prevention & control; COVID-19 - psychology; Exploitation; Female; HIV Infections - epidemiology; HIV Infections - prevention & control; HIV Infections - psychology; Humans; India - epidemiology; Original Paper; Psychology; Public Health; Resilience, Psychological; SARS-CoV-2; Sex industry; Sex Work - psychology; Sex Work - statistics & numerical data; Sex Workers - psychology; Sex Workers - statistics & numerical data; Sexual Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - epidemiology; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - prevention & control; Shelter in place; Social Sciences; Womens health; Work environment; India; COVID-19; Reproductive tract infections; Sex workers; Community-based organizations; Sexually transmitted infections
• ISSN: 0004-0002; 1573-2800; 1573-2800
• DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02866-w

In Surat city of Gujarat, India, female sex workers (FSW)-based targeted interventions (TI) and community-based organizations (CBO) have been functioning since 1998. To document the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown (March–May 2020) on FSWs and STI/RTI/HIV preventive measures provided through TI/CBOs in Surat city, sequential, explanatory mixed-methods design was used. We conducted a desk review of quarterly programmatic data (2018–2020) of four TIs and CBOs and interviewed of 221 FSWs to study pre- and post-lockdown socioeconomic conditions, engagement in sex work, health services during COVID-19 lockdown and coping strategies, followed by five focus group discussions of FSWs and TI/CBO project staff. Study identified four major themes: reasons for working as a FSW during COVID-19 lockdown, entry to sex work during or as a consequence of lockdown, exploitation of FSWs during lockdown, and challenges of TI and CBOs in service provision in pandemic situation. Number of new registrations and STI/RTI detection increased immediately after lockdown. TI/CBO and other NGOs working for women welfare must build financial independence by training them in microeconomics, savings, and entrepreneurship. TI/CBO staff must also include experts in finance or business, trained in emergency response. The presence of strong TI/CBO network facilitated prompt delivery of essential commodities and financial aid to FSWs. However, laboratory and screening services were hampered, which warrants need of introducing self-test kits. In backdrop of decrease in condom distribution, continuation of sex work during lockdown and disruption of routine HIV/STI/RTI screening facilities, our study also recommends intensified HIV/STI/RTI screening among FSWs.