A Study of Psychological Morbidity among Female Sex Workers

The psychological distresses are higher in women in sex industry. The confluence of drug use, mental stressors, poverty, sexually transmitted diseases, low self-esteem and high-risk partners forms a fertile ground for psychological morbidity. Prostitution is associated with a host of psychosocial vulnerabilities and disadvantages [1]. Socio-demographic disadvantages like minority, ethnic status, low income, homelessness, low education level are linked with commercial sex workers [2,3]. This study was undertaken to assess the psychiatric morbidity in female commercial sex workers likely to be involved in sexual high risk taking behavior. 30 consecutive female sex workers attending the psychiatric OPD at Victoria hospital were assessed clinically after informed consent and relevant investigation. Information was collected using a semi structured proforma, MINI, Beck depression scale, Beck suicide intent scale and OT I We observed 63% were between 30-40 years. Abusing alcohol 100%with tobacco 64%. 96% were married. 47% were illiterate.78 %were suffering from physical illness.2 were HIV patient on treatment.78% were having psychological morbidity. Need money for drug in 61 %. Money to live in 36 %. Husbands forced to this profession were 4%. Easy way of earning money was 4%. Drifted from other states with nothing else to do or people to help is 5%.Purely survival 6%. They all had sex with many partners and with more than 5 to six clients in a day. Very interesting is that none of them used condoms with their partners. They were not agreed by the regular partner or casual partner to use condoms. All of them practiced anal sex.10 of the clients also practiced group sex. Our study identified the psychiatric morbidity and psycho social behavior leads to high sex behavior.