Sociocultural determinants of sex trafficking and barriers to health care: Gender inequalities and health in Brazil

Background

The trafficking of women and girls for sexual exploitation is a recognized form of gender-based violence. Sex trafficking is associated with a wide range of negative health outcomes, yet the extent to which the local health systems can engage in anti-trafficking efforts while addressing these health concerns is not well understood.

Purpose

To explain the interplay between the sociocultural determinants of sex trafficking, violence against women, and access to health care in Brazil in order to determine ways in which the local health care system may play a greater anti-trafficking role.

Methods

Using case study methodology, sex trafficking was studied in two major Brazilian cities. Semi-structured in-country interviews of anti-trafficking stakeholders were conducted. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using qualitative research software.

Results

Despite strong anti-trafficking policies in Brazil, integrative sociocultural factors operate at various levels and continue to create permissive conditions of inequality for violence against women and girls including sex trafficking. Such sociocultural factors include poverty, lack of employment opportunities, and community tolerance of violence. The resultant gender inequalities have serious consequences on health outcomes and pose significant barriers to health care access for this vulnerable population.

Conclusion

Our study corroborates the existing literature indicating a strong link between sociocultural factors, health outcomes and health access. Findings from this study will serve to identify gaps in health care for this vulnerable population and suggest recommendations for a greater anti-trafficking role of the local health system in Brazil.