Reproductive health and desire for children among young female sex workers in Bangladesh brothels

Abstract

Globally, reproductive health research among female sex workers (FSWs) often focuses on pregnancy prevention, but many women who sell sex aspire to have children in the future. In Bangladesh, where early marriage and parenthood is the norm, we examine reproductive histories and childbearing desires of young women who sell sex in brothels. We interviewed 1061 FSWs aged 18 to 24 in eight brothels in three Bangladesh divisions. Interviewers elicited information on sociodemographic characteristics, contraceptive use, pregnancy history, and childbearing desire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine correlates of wanting to have a child within 24 months.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no potential, perceived, or real conflict of interest. The donor had no involvement in study design, study implementation, or the writing and submission of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, through a subcontract from the International HIV/AIDS Alliance under the Link Up project.