Legal and illegal drug use among female sex workers in bar and club prostitution in Belgium: A quantitative and qualitative study

Abstract

Aims: This study describes the amounts and effects of drug use in bar and club sex work, and the use of healthcare for the drug-related needs of sex workers (SW).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Belgium. In a quantitative component, 120 bar and club SW were interviewed face-to-face by means of a semi-structured questionnaire. In a qualitative component, 25 SW were interviewed face-to-face and 5 focus group discussions with key actors professionally involved with the study's subject were conducted.

Findings: Many bar and club SW drink frequently alcohol and engage in heavy drinking. Illegal drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and benzodiazepines are also frequently used. The drug use often involves poly or combined drug use. More than one-third experienced a certain degree of dependence on a product and many experienced effects from drug use on their sex work. The study shows that SW have difficulties accessing drug-related healthcare.

Conclusions: SW use often legal and illegal drugs. The prevalence and influence of drug use among bar and club SW illustrates the need for drug and sex work related healthcare. Distribution of more information about the risks of drug use, the possible negative effects, and the available drug-related healthcare is needed.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Ilona Stoffels, who assisted with the development of the instrument, data collection and write-up of the research report for Belgian Science Policy. The authors would like to thank the staff at Pasop (Ghent), Ghapro (Antwerp) and Espace P (Brussels, Charleroi and Liège) for their cooperation in facilitating access to their clients and their contribution to field interviews. Finally, we are indebted to the 528 women interviewed for this project, which generously gave their time and spoke openly about their involvement in the sex industry and in drug use. We would like to express our thanks to the Federal Science Policy BELSPO as principal subsidizer of the study.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

This manuscript is based on research funded by the Belgian Science Office (DRUSEB – DR/38).