Finding what works: Predicting health or social service linkage in drug using, African American, female sex workers in Miami, FL

ABSTRACT

Female sex workers (FSWs) encounter numerous challenges in accessing health and social services. In this study of drug using, African American FSWs, the authors examine specific factors associated with health or social service linkage among participants in a randomized intervention trial. Respondent linkage was significantly associated with individual factors (living alone, severe internal mental distress, and traumatic victimization) and project-related variables (attending five case management sessions and client engagement rating). In the multivariate model, higher client engagement and session attendance remained significant. The researchers conclude by discussing the importance of intervention attendance and engagement as key contributors to health and social service linkage among FSWs.

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Acknowledgments

Research was conducted at the University of Delaware (predecessor institution) and Nova Southeastern University.

Funding

This research was supported by grant number [R01DA013131] from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute on Drug Abuse or the National Institutes of Health. We gratefully acknowledge James A. Inciardi, PI, of this study through 2009.