| Suboptimal access to primary healthcare among street-based sex workers in southwest Switzerland. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 23150609 Owner: NLM Status: Publisher |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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OBJECTIVES: Street-based sex workers (SSWs) in Lausanne, Switzerland, are poorly characterised. We set out to quantify potential vulnerability factors in this population and to examine SSW healthcare use and unmet healthcare requirements. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey among SSWs working in Lausanne's red light district between 1 February and 31 July 2010, examining SSW socio-demographic characteristics and factors related to their healthcare. RESULTS: We interviewed 50 SSWs (76% of those approached). A fifth conducted their interviews in French, the official language in Lausanne. 48 participants (96%) were migrants, of whom 33/48 (69%) held no residence permit. 22/50 (44%) had been educated beyond obligatory schooling. 28/50 (56%) had no health insurance. 18/50 (36%) had been victims of physical violence. While 36/50 (72%) had seen a doctor during the preceding 12 months, only 15/50 (30%) were aware of a free clinic for individuals without health insurance. Those unaware of free services consulted emergency departments or doctors outside Switzerland. Gynaecology, primary healthcare and dental services were most often listed as needed. Two individuals (of 50, 4%) disclosed positive HIV status; of the others, 24/48 (50%) had never had an HIV test. CONCLUSIONS: This vulnerable population comprises SSWs who, whether through mobility, insufficient education or language barriers, are unaware of services they are entitled to. With half the participants reporting no HIV testing, there is a need to enhance awareness of available facilities as well as to increase provision and uptake of HIV testing. |
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Authors:
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Katharine Elizabeth Anna Darling; Elodie Gloor; Anne Ansermet-Pagot; Paul Vaucher; Sophie Durieux-Paillard; Patrick Bodenmann; Matthias Cavassini |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE Date: 2012-11-13 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Postgraduate medical journal Volume: - ISSN: 1469-0756 ISO Abbreviation: Postgrad Med J Publication Date: 2012 Nov |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2012-11-14 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0234135 Medline TA: Postgrad Med J Country: - |
Other Details:
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Languages: ENG Pagination: - Citation Subset: - |
Affiliation:
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Infectious Diseases Service, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. |
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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