Structural vulnerabilities to HIV/STI risk among female exotic dancers in Baltimore, Maryland

Abstract

Female exotic dancers (FEDs) are an important, yet understudied group of women who may engage in drug- and sex-related HIV/STI risk behaviors through their work. The study objective was to identify co-occurring indicators of vulnerability (e.g., housing, income, incarceration) associated with HIV/STI risk behavior among FEDs in Baltimore, Maryland. Surveys administered during July 2008–February 2009 captured socio-demographic characteristics, drug use, and sexual practices among dancers (N = 101) aged ≥18 years. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between vulnerability and risk behavior. Dancers with a high vulnerability score (i.e., 2 or more indicators) were more likely to report sex exchange (AOR: 10.7, 95% CIs: 2.9, 39.9) and multiple sex partnerships (AOR: 6.4, 95% CIs: 2.3, 18.3), controlling for demographics and drug use, compared to their less vulnerable counterparts. Findings point to primacy of macro-level factors that need to be addressed in HIV/STI prevention efforts targeting this and other high-risk populations.

Keywords:

• female exotic dancers
• sex exchange
• illicit drug use
• HIV/STIs
• vulnerability

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the support of the Baltimore City Health Department, recruitment assistance by Nathan Fields, data collection by Pamela Lilleston and Jacqueline Reuben, and the participation of women who dance on The Block.

Additional information

Funding

M.L. Reilly was supported for this work by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease [grant number T32 AI050056-12] and the National Institute on Drug Abuse [F31 DA038540].