The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46808

Lyn Stankiewicz Murphy, MS, MBA, RN, Department of Clinical and External Affairs, University of Maryland, 655 West Lombard Street, Suite 404K, Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-706-5474, LMurphy@son.umaryland.edu, Marla Oros, MS, RN, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, 655 West Lombard street, Suite 404, Baltimore, MD 21201, Alison M. Trinkoff, ScD, RN, FAAN, Behavioral & Community Health, University of Maryland, 655 West Lombard Street, Suite 625, Baltimore, MD 21201, and Susan G. Dorsey, National Institute of Health, 937 Jubal Way, Frederick, MD 21701.

Street-level prostitution is engaged in by women who are in the most threatening of circumstances, and with the greatest risk to their health and to the health of others. They are linked to crime, face dangers of assault and arrest, are associated with drug use, and are often at risk for illnesses such as HIV, STDs, hepatitis C, unplanned pregnancies, gynecological issues, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health issues. Aside from the fact that prostitution is a crime itself, these women are more likely to commit criminal offenses, as well as become victims of violent crimes. The spillover cost of this behavior to society is immeasurable. Medical costs, community action / police costs, costs incurred by crime and violence associated with prostitution, the costs associated with HIV/AIDS treatment, drug treatment are a few of the millions of dollars per year that are spent because of this behavior. The marginal cost greatly exceeds the marginal benefit to society. Yet, street-level prostitution continues to exist throughout the world. Women engaged in prostitution are considered a high-risk group for many reasons. Therefore, women engaged in prostitution should be a cause for concern. They work in a danger, hostile environment, filled with disease, violence, and threats of death. And despite such grave needs, little research is has been done to reach out to women engaged in prostitution.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Describe reasons why women engage in prostitution.
• 2.Recognize the need for assistance to this vulnerable population.
• 3.Identify programs in their community that could assist women involved in prostitution.
• 4.Evaluate the overall need for continued research in this arena.

Keywords: Sex Workers, Interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.