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Intersections between migration and sex work are underexplored in southern Africa, a region with high internal and cross-border population mobility, and HIV prevalence. Sex work often constitutes an important livelihood activity for migrant women. In 2010, sex workers trained as interviewers conducted cross-sectional surveys with 1,653 female sex workers in Johannesburg (Hillbrow and Sandton), Rustenburg and Cape Town. Most (85.3%) sex workers were migrants (1396/1636): 39.0% (638/1636) internal and 46.3% (758/1636) cross-border. Cross-border migrants had higher education levels, predominately worked part-time, mainly at indoor venues, and earned more per client than other groups. They, however, had 41% lower health service contact (adjusted odds ratio = 0.59; 95% confidence interval = 0.40-0.86) and less frequent condom use than non-migrants. Police interaction was similar. Cross-border migrants appear more tenacious in certain aspects of sex work, but require increased health service contact. Migrant-sensitive, sex work-specific health care and health education are needed.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s10903-012-9758-4

Type

Journal

Journal of immigrant and minority health

Publication Date

02/2014

Volume

16

Pages

7 - 17

Addresses

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium, Marlise.richter@gmail.com.

Keywords

Humans, Risk Factors, Cross-Sectional Studies, Health Behavior, Demography, Adult, Transients and Migrants, Vulnerable Populations, Health Services, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Female, Sex Workers