Evidence of risky health behavior in online ads for escorts

Background/significance: Online advertisements for escort-based prostitution have increased dramatically in the past decade. Many ads have included information about specific sexual acts in which escorts are willing to participate. These acts may place an escort's sexual health and physical safety at risk. Objective/purpose: Although risky behavior among escorts cannot be directly measured, related latent behaviors may be inferred from information escorts include in their ads. An analysis of this information may help determine whether these behaviors present health risks to the escort herself or to johns and others. Methods: In February, 2010, we collected data on escort activity advertised on the website “escorts.com” in three North Carolina cities. To determine whether the ads provided evidence of latent risky behaviors, we analyzed the data using exploratory factor analysis. We developed a scale that gave escorts a score for each latent behavior we found. Using OLS regression, we analyzed relationships between these scores and escorts' advertised age and race. Results: Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a three-factor solution. Items escorts chose to advertise reflected three latent behaviors that may be described as: risky sexual behavior; unconventional sexual behavior; and autonomy/popularity. Average scores for risky and unconventional sexual behavior were relatively low, with escorts who advertised themselves as being black scoring lower their white counterparts. Average scores for autonomy/popularity were relatively high. Discussion/conclusion: Although the first latent behavior presents health risks for escorts and johns, these risks could be mediated by the finding that a majority of escorts appeared to be fairly autonomous.