Private sex workers’ engagement with sexual health services: an online survey
C. Thng A , E. Blackledge B , R. McIver A E , L. Watchirs Smith D and A. McNulty A CA Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
B UNSW, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
C School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
D Kirby Institute, UNSW, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: ruthy.mciver@health.nsw.gov.au
Sexual Health 15(1) 93-95 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH16243
Submitted: 23 December 2016 Accepted: 6 July 2017 Published: 1 September 2017
Abstract
This study examined where private sex workers (PSW) present for sexual health services, disclosure, services received, and their satisfaction with care. An online anonymous survey was conducted via SurveyMonkey (surveymonkey.com). Among the 53 participants, 42% attended a sexual health clinic, 24% attended a general practitioner (GP) and 34% attended both. Participants attending GPs were less likely to be offered a throat swab and opportunities for cervical screening, contraception and vaccination were often missed in both service models. Participants attending GPs were less likely to disclose sex work and were less satisfied. Better awareness of the sexual health needs of PSWs is important in GP services.
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