Social Support and Sexual Risk Among Establishment-Based Female Sex Workers in Tijuana

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Jennifer Toller Erausquin, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Social support can affect health outcomes of female sex workers. In this inductive feminist grounded theory study based on 20 in-depth interviews, we explore how establishment-based female sex workers in Tijuana perceive the impact of the connections among women on their lives and health. Participants elected to discuss the importance of social support from mothers, sisters, friends, and co-workers, and the empowering and disempowering aspects of these relationships. In previous studies, scholars demonstrated the efficacy of formal organization of female sex workers in promoting the mitigation of sexual and HIV risk. We show the importance of informal ties with other women. Some participants mentioned competitive relationships, others talked about cooperation and the desire for a venue to learn from one another. Social interactions with other women are especially empowering when female sex workers can openly engage in “woman talk” that may contribute to the mitigation of sexual and HIV risk.

Additional Information

Publication
Qualitative Health Research
Language: English
Date: 2015
Keywords
communication, culture, health care, feminism, grounded theory, health care disparities, HIV/AIDS prevention, in-depth interviews, marginalized populations, Mexicans, risk behaviors, sex workers, sexual health, social support, U.S.-Mexico border, vulnerable populations, women’s health, qualitative

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