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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Jennifer A. Keagy, MPH, CHES, HIV/AIDS Unit, Cleveland Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1925 St. Clair Avenue NE, Cleveland, OH 44114, 216-664-4940, JKeagy@cdc.gov, William Tiedemann, MSW, HIV/AIDS Unit, Cleveland Department of Public Health, 1925 St. Clair Avenue NE, Cleveland, OH 44114, and Mieko Smith, PhD, School of Social Work, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, MC219, Cleveland, OH 44115.

Background A local faith-based organization that conducts outreach to sex workers, in collaboration with the Cleveland Department of Public Health, commissioned a rapid assessment to (1) better understand the unique needs of sex workers, and determine how to most effectively address those needs; and (2) gather information from sex workers regarding HIV/AIDS risk and barriers to receiving prevention services, and determine ways to more effectively address those barriers.

Methods Using the RARE methodology, a team of field investigators conducted mapping and ethnographic observations of two study sites and recruited sex workers to participate in the assessment. Incentives in the form of grocery gift cards were given to those who participated. Fifty-four interviews and three focus groups were conducted among sex workers. Two focus groups were conducted among HIV/AIDS prevention specialists and case managers.

Results Among the 54 sex workers, 46 (85%) stated they could get HIV from unprotected sex, and 49 (91%) stated that condoms protect them from HIV. Thirty-nine (72%) sex workers responded that they were at risk for HIV. Five reported that they were HIV-positive at the time of the interview. Further, 24 (44%) sex workers reported that HIV/AIDS services were inadequate for their particular population. Barriers to seeking HIV/AIDS services cited include lack of motivation, lack of privacy, and unavailability of services specifically for sex workers.

Conclusions Sex workers require multiple protective services, including HIV prevention. Therefore, a full range of services that address the problems sex workers face, both on and off the streets, is needed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

• List the five components of the RARE methodology.
• Discuss HIV risk among sex workers and barriers to receiving HIV prevention services.
• Identify how to more effectively address the unique needs of sex workers.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Sex Workers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation