RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Transactional sex relationships (TSRs) create financial and emotional support for men and women, as well as an increased sexual risk. Studies have reported high HIV and STI transmission rates among young women in transactional sex relationships. However, little is known about TSR prevalence in Jamaica and risky sexual practices among participants. This study investigates the sexual behaviour of Jamaicans in TSR. METHODS: Secondary data analysis of a national survey revealed that 586 participants (38%) self-reported being in at least one TSR in the last 12 months. We also identified a third category called "Benefluids", who play both roles of benefactor and beneficiary in transactional sex relationships. RESULTS: 59 percent of male Benefluids had two to five transactional sex relationship partners in the last 12 months, compared to 40% of female Benefluids. Twenty-eight percent of female Benefluids reported sexually transmitted infection symptoms in the last 12 months compared to 13.5% of male Benefluids. While females reported more sexually transmitted infection symptoms, young men had the highest sexual risk precursors. CONCLUSIONS: People in transactional sex relationships often play the role of beneficiaries and benefactors to meet material and sexual needs but this increases the risk of STI symptoms.
Assuntos
Assunção de Riscos , Trabalho Sexual , Comportamento Sexual , Parceiros Sexuais , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis , Humanos , Jamaica/epidemiologia , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto , Comportamento Sexual/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/epidemiologia , Trabalho Sexual/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Prevalência , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Sexo sem Proteção/estatística & dados numéricos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Profissionais do Sexo/estatística & dados numéricos , Profissionais do Sexo/psicologiaRESUMO
This phenomenological study, consisting of individual interviews with a sample of 30 women engaged in sex work, examines the intimate relationships of women engaged in sex work in Barbados. Participants often entered relationships with men they met while engaged in sex work. Most experienced relationships that became transactional, abusive, and exploitative. Intimate partner violence (IPV) challenged their ability to negotiate condom use with intimate partners placing them at risk for HIV. A cycle emerged of entering relationships to exit the violent conditions of sex work and then re-entering sex work to escape IPV. Implications for mental health, HIV prevention, IPV, and empowerment services are described.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV , Violência por Parceiro Íntimo , Masculino , Humanos , Feminino , Trabalho Sexual , Barbados , Comportamento Sexual , Parceiros Sexuais/psicologia , Violência por Parceiro Íntimo/psicologia , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
PURPOSE: There is a paucity of research examining the contextual factors that shape the violence experienced by those engaged in transactional sex, particularly among adolescent boys and young men. Recognizing the acute vulnerability among youth engaged in transactional sex, this analysis examined the associations between lifetime transactional sex and experience of violence among 13- to 24-year-old males. METHODS: Using data from two strata of the 2018 Violence Against Children and Youth Survey from Colombia, logistic regressions were used to estimate the association between engagement in transactional sex and violence exposure. Three groups of violence outcomes were examined: violence victimization, violence perpetration, and witnessing violence. RESULTS: Violence victimization and witnessing violence were widespread. Adolescent boys and young men with a lifetime history of transactional sex were significantly more likely to experience violence victimization than those without a lifetime history of transactional sex, particularly intimate partner violence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 5.23 and 5.41) and caregiver emotional violence (aOR: 7.23 and 8.74). In the national and priority samples respectively, those with a lifetime history of transactional sex were also significantly more likely to witness violence within the home (aOR: 4.42 and 4.99) and outside of the home (aOR: 7.24 and 28.32). DISCUSSION: Although research is needed to determine causal pathways, our findings highlight the ubiquity of violence and the criticality of supporting this group of adolescent boys and young men. Interventions for those with a history of transactional sex should address factors that may contribute to drivers of violence and transactional sex.
Assuntos
Vítimas de Crime , Exposição à Violência , Violência por Parceiro Íntimo , Masculino , Criança , Adolescente , Humanos , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Colômbia/epidemiologia , ViolênciaRESUMO
Background: French Guiana is a multicultural French territory in Amazonia with an old migration history and a high prevalence of HIV infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate situations of sexual vulnerability and their associated factors among migrant women in French Guiana. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out in 2021 in the French Red Cross Prevention and Health Centers of the two main cities of French Guiana (Cayenne and Saint Laurent du Maroni). Analysis was performed with multivariate stepwise logistic regression using Stata 15.0 software. Findings: A total of 382 migrant women were included, with a median age of 31 years, mainly born in Haiti (80%), Suriname (9%), or Dominican Republic (6%), undocumented (71%), and with financial difficulties (77%). Among the 20% having casual partners, 57% reported unprotected sexual intercourse, more often the Haitian and Surinamese women. A history of rape was reported by 20% of women, most often in the country of origin (71%). Lifetime rape was associated with being threatened [aOR = 3.69 (1.96-6.96)] or being physically abused [aOR = 12.95 (6.51-25.75)] in the multivariate analysis. Among the women surveyed, 30% reported having ever exchanged sex for money, food, or shelter in their lifetime. Transactional sex is more common among Dominican women [aOR = 5.59 (1.84-16.95)] and women living in French Guiana for more than 2 years [aOR = 2.32 (1.38-3.92)]. Transactional sex is also associated with alcohol misuse [aOR = 2.57 (1.46-4.53)], history of threats [aOR = 2.03 (1.14-3.63)], history of rape [aOR = 1.92 (1.03-3.60)], and depressive disorders [aOR = 2.08 (1.21-3.60)]. Interpretation: Migrant women in French Guiana are in a situation of sexual vulnerability. An intervention focused on sexual education and the promotion of prevention tools among Haitian women is advisable. Better prevention and support for transactional sex are needed to prevent violence and its mental health and alcohol misuse consequences for all women, especially Dominican women.
Assuntos
Alcoolismo , Infecções por HIV , Migrantes , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Guiana Francesa/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Haiti , HumanosRESUMO
The UN maintains a zero-tolerance policy on sexual interactions between peacekeepers and beneficiaries of assistance. Our research describes the lived experience of engaging sexually with UN peacekeepers during Mission des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation en Haiti (MINUSTAH) from the perspectives of Haitian women/girls. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with Haitian women raising children fathered by MINUSTAH peacekeepers. Transcripts were analyzed according to empirical phenomenology.Adverse socio-economic conditions were key contextual factors. Three themes related to the nature of the sexual interactions emerged: sexual violence, transactional sex, and long-term transactional relationships imbedded in perceptions of love. Most sexual interactions were transactional and nuanced since the peacekeeper assumed the role of romantic and material provider. Sexual consent was conceptualised as the ability to weigh the benefits and consequences of engaging sexually with peacekeepers. Sexual violence was identified among minors and in instances of sexual abuse.This study provides empirical evidence to support a nuanced understanding of sexual relationships between women/girls and peacekeepers. In addition to holding peacekeepers accountable, a harm-reduction approach that aims to raise awareness for peacekeeping codes of conduct and provide comprehensive reproductive and sexual education should be considered.
Assuntos
Comportamento Sexual , Nações Unidas , Criança , Feminino , Haiti , HumanosRESUMO
Microfinance interventions may have differential effects on relationship dynamics among subpopulations of women. We estimated the association between microfinance participation duration and physical abuse, relationship power, and transactional sex in a sample of Haitian women (n = 304). Furthermore, we tested for moderation by age. In older women, microfinance tended to be associated with reduced risk of violence, low relationship power, and transactional sex. These associations were not observed for younger women. Thus, older Haitian women may benefit from microfinance in ways that younger women do not. Future studies should examine whether additional training and resources could improve outcomes in younger women.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV , Abuso Físico , Idoso , Feminino , Haiti , Humanos , Comportamento Sexual , ViolênciaRESUMO
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, often negatively affect the economic wellbeing of affected individuals. Under such conditions, women may engage in transactional sexual behaviors in order to compensate for lost income and provide for their households. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between hurricane impact and transactional sex and if this relationship was moderated, or mediated, through economic factors. Between December 2017 and February 2018, approximately one year after the area was hit by a category 4 hurricane (Hurricane Matthew), we interviewed a random sample of female microfinance members (n = 304) in Okay, Haiti. We estimated the association between hurricane impact and transactional sex using log-binomial regression. Next, we tested for economic moderation of this relationship by incorporating interaction terms between hurricane impact and food insecurity, poverty, and loss of income generating materials in three separate log-binomial models. Finally, we assessed possible mediation of this relationship by loss of income generating resources and a latent variable, economic stress, using a structural equation model. We found participants who had experienced hurricane impact were 58% more likely to have engaged in transactional sex [prevalence ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.58 (1.19-2.09)]. This relationship was significant and strongly positive among women who were food insecure and had high poverty but not so among women who were food secure and had low poverty, respectively. The final structural equation model (with fit: χ2 = 19.700, degrees of freedom = 15; CFI = 0.958; TLI = 0.941; RMSEA = 0.040) revealed that the relationship was not mediated through economic factors. However, the association between hurricane impact and transactional sex remained significant while controlling for these economic factors. Notably, the findings that the relationship between hurricane impact and transactional sex was moderated, but not mediated, by economic factors implies populations at-risk of experiencing natural disasters should be preemptively targeted with economic interventions to build capacity and resilience before such a disaster hits.
Assuntos
Tempestades Ciclônicas , Desastres , Fatores Econômicos , Feminino , Haiti/epidemiologia , Humanos , Comportamento SexualRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases the risk of acquiring human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) and subsequently HTLV's progression to tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM). Existing data have exclusively reported generalized rates of HIV and HTLV-1 chronic viral infections in the Dominican Republic. To our knowledge, no published studies have focused on the rates of HTLV-1/2 in transactional sex workers and drug users, both higher risk groups, in the Dominican Republic. METHODS: From December 2012 to April 2013 we conducted a study to estimate the seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and HIV antibodies among transactional sex workers and intravenous drug users in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Serological status was analysed with behaviour and demographic data. RESULTS: We collected and analysed plasma from 200 participants with a mean age of 27.4 y in men and 25.2 y in women. The overall weighted seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 IgG antibodies was 13.91% (95% CI 7.59 to 20.23) in men and 10.59% (95% CI 4.05 to 17.13) in women. The overall weighted seroprevalence of HIV-1 was 13.91% (95% CI 7.59 to 20.23%) in men and 17.65% (95% CI 9.55 to 25.75) in women. Male intravenous drug users had an exceptionally high rate of HTLV-positive HIV co-infection, at 75% (95% CI 44.99 to 105.01). Although there an association has been found between HTLV/HIV co-infections and sex work, the adjusted odds revealed a confounding role of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the urgent need for enhanced public health preventive strategies among high-risk populations in the Dominican Republic and other resource-constrained Caribbean settings, as well as global adoption of routine screening for HTLV-associated infections, particularly in these high-risk, underserved populations.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Antivirais/análise , Usuários de Drogas/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Infecções por HTLV-I/epidemiologia , Infecções por HTLV-II/epidemiologia , Profissionais do Sexo/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto , República Dominicana/epidemiologia , Feminino , Anticorpos Anti-HIV/análise , Anticorpos Anti-HIV/sangue , Infecções por HIV/complicações , Soroprevalência de HIV , HIV-1 , Infecções por HTLV-I/complicações , Infecções por HTLV-II/complicações , Humanos , Imunoglobulina G/análise , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Razão de Chances , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
This study explored the experiences of young Jamaican men who have sex with men who engaged in transactional sex as a result of homelessness, family neglect or limited financial resources. It further examined the circumstances that affect their immediate or delayed decisions around sexual risk and increased vulnerability for HIV infection. Barriers experienced when accessing condoms, healthcare, HIV testing and other prevention services are also described. Twenty in-depth interviews and one focus group with 10 participants in various parishes in Jamaica were conducted. Findings from this study reveal how stigma and discrimination in the form of pervasive homophobia-influenced participation in the street economy via transactional sex. Socio-structural factors at family and commity level led to diminished social/economic prospects, which extended into adulthood. Sexual decision making was based on immediate needs for protection, food or shelter; concerns about acquiring HIV were considered only after meeting those immediate needs. Future HIV prevention strategies must take seriously the socio-structural factors that influence HIV risk behaviours among young men who have sex with men in Jamaica.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Homossexualidade Masculina/psicologia , Medição de Risco , Trabalho Sexual , Comportamento Sexual , Estigma Social , Adulto , Grupos Focais , Pessoas Mal Alojadas , Homofobia/psicologia , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Jamaica , Masculino , Pobreza , Inquéritos e Questionários , Sexo sem Proteção/psicologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Transgender women are disproportionately impacted by HIV. Transgender women involved in sex work may experience exacerbated violence, social exclusion, and HIV vulnerabilities, in comparison with non-sex work-involved transgender women. Scant research has investigated sex work among transgender women in the Caribbean, including Jamaica, where transgender women report pervasive violence. The study objective was to examine factors associated with sex work involvement among transgender women in Jamaica. METHODS: In 2015, we implemented a cross-sectional survey using modified peer-driven recruitment with transgender women in Kingston and Ocho Rios, Jamaica, in collaboration with a local community-based AIDS service organization. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with paid sex and transactional sex. Exchanging oral, anal or vaginal sex for money only was categorized as paid sex. Exchanging sex for survival needs (food, accommodation, transportation), drugs or alcohol, or for money along with survival needs and/or drugs/alcohol, was categorized as transactional sex. RESULTS: Among 137 transgender women (mean age: 24.0 [SD: 4.5]), two-thirds reported living in the Kingston area. Overall, 25.2% reported being HIV-positive. Approximately half (n = 71; 51.82%) reported any sex work involvement, this included sex in exchange for: money (n = 64; 47.06%); survival needs (n = 27; 19.85%); and drugs/alcohol (n = 6; 4.41%). In multivariable analyses, paid sex and transactional sex were both associated with: intrapersonal (depression), interpersonal (lower social support, forced sex, childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, multiple partners/polyamory), and structural (transgender stigma, unemployment) factors. Participants reporting transactional sex also reported increased odds of incarceration perceived to be due to transgender identity, forced sex, homelessness, and lower resilience, in comparison with participants reporting no sex work involvement. CONCLUSION: Findings reveal high HIV infection rates among transgender women in Jamaica. Sex work-involved participants experience social and structural drivers of HIV, including violence, stigma, and unemployment. Transgender women involved in transactional sex also experience high rates of incarceration, forced sex and homelessness in comparison with non-sex workers. Taken together, these findings suggest that social ecological factors elevate HIV exposure among sex work-involved transgender women in Jamaica. Findings can inform interventions to advance human rights and HIV prevention and care cascades with transgender women in Jamaica.
Assuntos
Profissionais do Sexo/psicologia , Pessoas Transgênero/psicologia , Violência , Mulheres/psicologia , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Jamaica , Delitos Sexuais , Profissionais do Sexo/estatística & dados numéricos , Comportamento Sexual , Estigma Social , Maus-Tratos Conjugais , Pessoas Transgênero/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
The French Antilles (Martinique, Saint Martin and Guadeloupe) and French Guiana are the French territories most affected by the HIV epidemic. Some population groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM), especially those involved in transactional sex, are thought to be particularly vulnerable to HIV but few data exist to help characterize their health-related needs and thus implement relevant prevention interventions. To fill this knowledge gap, we used data collected from an HIV/AIDS Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviours and Practices survey conducted in 2012 among MSM living in the French Antilles and French Guiana and recruited through snowball sampling. Our objectives were to compare social and demographic characteristics and sexual behaviours between MSM engaging in transactional sex and MSM not engaging in transactional sex and to identify factors associated with transactional sex involvement using a logistic regression model. A total of 733 MSM were interviewed, 21% of whom reported to undergo transactional sex. Their behaviour and social and demographic characteristics were different from other MSMs' and they were more exposed to factors that are recognized to potentiate HIV vulnerability, at the individual, community, network and structural levels. The variables positively associated with sex trade involvement were having ever consumed drug (OR = 2.84 [1.23-6.52]; p = .002), having a greater number of sex partners than the median (OR = 8.31 [4.84-14.30]; p < .001), having experienced intimate partner violence (OR = 1.72 [0.99-3.00]; p = .053) and having undergone physical aggression because of sexual orientation (OR = 2.84 [1.23-6.52]; p = .014). Variables negatively associated with sex trade involvement were being older (OR = 0.93 [0.90-0.97] per year; p = .001), having a stable administrative situation (OR = 0.10 [0.06-0.19]; p < .001), having a stable housing (OR = 0.29 [0.15-0.55]; p < .001) and being employed full-time (OR = 0.29 [1.23-6.52]; p = .002).
Assuntos
Homossexualidade Masculina/estatística & dados numéricos , Profissionais do Sexo/estatística & dados numéricos , Comportamento Sexual , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Guiana Francesa/epidemiologia , Guadalupe , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Inquéritos Epidemiológicos , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Martinica , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Índias OcidentaisRESUMO
In sub-Saharan Africa, young women engaged in relationships with multiple partners in order to gain material benefits play a key role in local HIV dynamics. This paper is based upon field observations and interviews with 38 young women who live along the Angolan-Namibian border. In the last 10 years, rapid urbanisation has attracted migrants in search of opportunities to do business in the region. Our findings show that sexual-affective economic networks reflect these socioeconomic changes. Women, particularly those from particular ethnic groups and/or from Namibia, with low levels of formal education and social support are often excluded from the labour market and turn to emotional-sexual male-centred networks for material and financial benefits. Men in these networks tend to be older, have higher socioeconomic status and greater geographic mobility. This 'capitalisation' of intimate relationships is material and symbolic; it enables women to acquire goods and access to services identified with an urban and globalised lifestyle. It is also emotional because relationships include affection and pleasure. Engaging in these relationships involves some social risks (bad reputation, family rejection, discrimination and violence), but maintaining ties often takes priority over safer sex and social sanctions.
Assuntos
Renda , Amor , Profissionais do Sexo/psicologia , Comportamento Sexual/psicologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Angola , Feminino , Infecções por HIV , Humanos , Namíbia , Negociação , Parceiros Sexuais/psicologia , Apoio SocialRESUMO
Introducción: el sexo transaccional es el acto mediante el cual un individuo accede a satisfacer las demandas sexuales de una persona o grupo de personas a cambio de una remuneración monetaria u otra contraprestación. Objetivo: caracterizar las experiencias que, en la historia de vida de jóvenes homosexuales, han influido en la práctica del sexo transaccional. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, durante los años 2012 y 2013. La muestra la conformaron 25 jóvenes homosexuales pertenecientes al policlínico "Ana Betancourt", a los que se les realizó entrevista abierta y semiestructurada. Resultados: el ámbito familiar constituye, en la totalidad de los entrevistados, un espacio de conflicto y frustración, manifestándose prohibiciones e incomprensiones de los familiares vinculados a la identidad de género y sexo-erótica. Se constató frustración e inestabilidad en el área de pareja; sobrevaloración de la figura materna, vinculada a la necesidad de afecto, y una valoración negativa de la paterna, asociada a la percepción de rechazo por una orientación sexual diferente. La necesidad de afecto era canalizada a través de las relaciones interpersonales y en el marco de la práctica de sexo transaccional. Resultaron motivaciones para esta práctica, poder emigrar a otros lugares donde puedan suplir las carencias detectadas. Conclusiones: las experiencias de vida, vinculadas a la práctica del sexo transaccional, confirman y consolidan las concepciones entorno a la doble moral. Las que más influyen en la práctica de este acto son las vivenciadas en las áreas familiar, de pareja y psicosexual(AU)
Introduction: Transactional sex is the act by which an individual accedes to satisfy the sexual demand from a person or group of persons in exchange for monetary remuneration or compensation. Objective: To characterize the experiences in the life history of homosexual young men that have influenced the practice of transactional sex. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out during the years 2012 and 2013. The sample was made up by 25 homosexual young men from Ana Betancourt Polyclinic, who were conducted on an open and semi-structured interview. Results: The family environment is, in the totality of the interviewees, a space of conflict and frustration, with manifestations of prohibitions and lack of understanding by the relatives associated with gender and sexual-erotic identity. Frustration and instability was perceived in the couple area; over-assessment of the mother's figure, associated to the lack of affection; and a negative evaluation of the father's figure, associated with the perception of despise for a different sexual orientation. The necessity of affection was channeled by interpersonal relationships and by practicing transactional sex. Among the motivations for this proactive were to migrate to places when they can supply the scarcities detected. Conclusions: Life experiences associated with the practice of transactional sex confirm and strengthen the conception regarding double morality. Those influencing this practice the most are the experiences in the family, the couple and psychosexual areas(AU)