Correlates of impulsivity among female sex workers in Mexico

Abstract

Impulsivity is a trait characteristic that is associated with sexual risk behavior. We examined correlates of impulsivity among 602 female sex workers (FSWs) enrolled in a sexual risk reduction intervention in Mexico (2016–2020). Impulsivity was positively associated with condomless sex with clients. Higher levels of impulsivity were associated with greater use of alcohol and heavy drugs, use of illicit drugs with clients, sexual/physical abuse history, and clinical depression. Global public health policy that supports free substance abuse treatment in combination with psychotherapeutic treatments (e.g. regulation management skills) and behavioral-focused therapy may help to reduce HIV/STI incidence in this vulnerable population.

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge study staff, participants, and the Municipal and State Health Departments of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Salud y Desarrollo Comunitario de Ciudad Juarez and Federación Méxicana de Asociaciones Privadas (SADEC-FEMAP), and Universidad Xochicalco de Tijuana.

Compliance with ethical standards

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Conflict of interest

All study procedures were approved by ethics committees at the University of California, San Diego, Xochicalco University in Tijuana, and SADEC-FEMAP in Cd. Juarez. All procedures were conducted in accordance with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to undergoing any study procedures.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, grants NIH R01 DA039071 (TLP), R37 DA019829 (SAS), R01 DA039071-03S1 (AHV), and R01 DA042666 (EVP).