background: human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) epidemics are largely linked to high-risk populations such as female commercial sex workers (fsws). this study assessed sexual behaviors, attitudes and knowledge of this marginalized group. methods: we conducted a cross- sectional study on 278 selfidentified fsws by using respondent driven sampling (rds) method in shiraz, south of iran, from june 2...

Background: Prostitution and substance abuse are among the crucial social problems in women, which affect the quality of life. However, no study has yet investigated that prostitution and substance abuse affect which dimension(s) of quality of life. The current study aimed to compare different dimensions of quality of life among female sex workers with and without drug abuse. Methods: The rese...

background:   objective: the purpose of this cross-sectional study was assessment of dose-response relationship between blood lead level (bll) and sex hormones levels in lead exposed male workers.   materials and methods: one hundred and thirteen male workers enrolled. all workers had at least 6 months of lead exposure and no history of diseases or conditions affecting reproductive system. bloo...

BACKGROUND Male sex work in the western countries has changed, including now a subculture of male sex workers who have paid sex with men arranged for via the internet. The men involved in this subculture do not easily identify themselves as sex workers nor as homosexual, and are therefore missed by regular health care and public health interventions. These male sex workers may form a hidden key...

HIV prevalence in India remains high among female sex workers. This paper presents the main findings of a qualitative study of the modes of operation of female sex work in Belgaum district, Karnataka, India, incorporating fifty interviews with sex workers. Thirteen sex work settings (distinguished by sex workers' main places of solicitation and sex) are identified. In addition to previously doc...

BACKGROUND In South Africa, information on sex workers' characteristics, sexual behaviour and health needs is limited. Current social, legal and institutional factors impede a safe working environment for sex workers and their clients. OBJECTIVES To describe characteristics and sexual behaviour of female, male and transgender sex workers, and assess their risk factors for unprotected sex. M...

BACKGROUND Little is known about the structure and context of, and the risks encountered in, sex work in the United States. OBJECTIVE This community-based participatory research (CBPR) study explored female sex work and the feasibility of conducting a larger study of sex work within the immigrant Latino community in North Carolina. METHODS Twelve abbreviated life story interviews were condu...

OBJECTIVES To establish the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and sexual risk behaviour among three groups of men who have sex with men in Jakarta, Indonesia, and to investigate sexual links between these men and broader heterosexual populations. METHODS Anonymous, cross sectional surveys among community recruited transgender and male sex workers and self recognised men who have sex with men (MSM)...