Characteristics of substance abusing female sex workers and identifying the changing trends in sex work dynamics in Imphal, Northeast India: A mixed-method study.

BACKGROUND

Substance abuse by female sex workers (FSWs) is particularly prevalent in the Northeastern states in India. It is important to understand how the FSWs actually function in different contexts.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to describe various characteristics of substance abusing FSWs and to explore the changing trends in sex work dynamics in Imphal, Northeast India.

METHODS

This community-based, mixed-method, cross-sectional study was conducted among FSWs in Imphal from May 2017 to August 2019. 288 FSWs were recruited using respondent-driven sampling method and were interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire after obtaining written informed consent. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with participants and key informants.

RESULTS

The mean ± standard deviation age of the respondents was 30.9 ± 6.1 years; 53.8% were Christian. Majority (98.3%) of the respondents reported sex work as their only source of income; drug use (41.3%) and poverty and debt (35%) were main reasons for involvement in sex work. The most common place of solicitation was lodge/hotel (72.9%); condom was not used during the last sexual act by 2.1%; and heroin was frequently used before having sex by 52.1% and 9.3% used mobile phones for soliciting clients. "Pimps helped in getting customers but want to avoid paying half to them." "It's easy to contact customers on mobile phone. I have 10-12 regular customers contacting through mobile."

CONCLUSIONS

Substances abusing FSWs predominantly uses heroin before sexual act and continue to practice unprotected sex. Newer technology like mobile phones was used for soliciting clients.