Perceived health needs of inner-city street prostitutes: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE

To survey inner-city prostitutes' perceived health needs.

METHODS

One hundred forty street prostitutes in Washington DC, were surveyed to determine their perceived health needs, in addition to levels of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

RESULTS

The final sample comprised 100 individuals, representing 3 subgroups of prostitutes, female, male, and transgender male. Major health needs included protection from physical and sexual assault, social support, counseling, addictions treatment, job training, and medical care. Over 42% of the population was identified as meeting established criteria for PTSD.

CONCLUSION

Effective program development for inner-city prostitutes needs to acknowledge the presence of distinct subpopulations and the pervasive influence of PTSD on health status.