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ABSTRACT
The economics of sex work and the effect on safe sex practices remain understudied. This research contributes to a better understanding of how economic opportunity and vulnerability place sex workers (SWs) at an increased risk of STI infection. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, we investigated the role of economic incentives in determining condom use among SWs. The data reveals that SWs are on average, nearly doubling their rates for condomless sex. Our findings that SWs are engaging in condomless sex to increase their earnings, illustrates the point that the context in which they operate influences condom negotiation and consequently, increases risky sexual behaviour.
Acknowledgements
We thank our collaborating partner, North Star Alliance (NSA), South Africa, specifically Thandeka Khoza, Thapelo Morapeli (Bloemfontein RWC clinic coordinator) and Maud Mogale (NSA Project Coordinator). A special thanks to the two field workers; Tlaleng Moroeroe and Ntombebhongo Yantolo and to all the participants who gave of their valuable time.
G.G. conceptualised the study and G.G. was responsible for drafting the manuscript. G.G., S.B., D.D., A.L. and S.N. analysed and interpreted the data. S.N. was responsible for the field work and quality assurance; all authors critically reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript for submission.
The contents of this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the funding agencies.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.