Examining Negative Effects of Early Life Experiences on Reproductive & Sexual Health among Female Sex Workers in Tijuana, Mexico

To explore experiences during childhood and adolescence that influenced reproductive and sexual health among women who had entered the sex industry in adolescence.

A qualitative study was conducted using information provided by 25 female sex workers (FSWs) from Tijuana, Mexico, who reported entering the sex industry when younger than 18 years. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with all participants between January 31, 2011, and July 8, 2011.

Four interrelated themes that shaped health experiences-early sexual abuse, early illicit drug use, ongoing violence, and limited access to reproductive and sexual health care-were identified. Participants reporting these experiences were at risk of unintended teenaged pregnancy, spontaneous abortion or stillbirth, and untreated sexually transmitted infections.

Programs and policies that address social, structural, and individual vulnerabilities during adolescence and adulthood are required to promote reproductive and sexual health among FSWs in Tijuana, Mexico.

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By: Oza KK1, Silverman JG2, Bojorquez I3, Strathdee SA2, Goldenberg SM4.

• 1Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
• 2Division of Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA.
• 3Department of Population Studies, El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Tijuana, Mexico.
• 4Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Division of AIDS, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Electronic address: sgoldenberg@cfenet.ubc.ca.  

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