Abstract

A qualitative study on health problems and access to health care among female victims of sex-trafficking in Mumbai, India

Sharvari Karandikar, MSW, Ph.D.1, Lindsay Gezinski, PhD.2 and Marissa Kaloga, MSW3
(1)The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, (2)University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, (3)The Ohio State University, College of Social Work, Columbus, OH

2015 APHA Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 31 - Nov. 4, 2015)

Kamathipura is considered to be Asia’s largest red-light area located in Mumbai, India. Majority of sex workers in Kamathipura are minor girls trafficked from other states of India and from neighboring countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh. This qualitative research explored health histories of 15 sex workers who were trafficked into Kamathipura. The specific  research objectives were to: a) explore sex workers process of entry into Kamathipura (trafficking) b) explore sex workers health problems c) study the relationship between sex trafficking and health-based vulnerabilities of sex workers. Data was collected using in-depth interviewing techniques and analysis consisted of reading the data line-by-line, identifying themes and coding categories to uncover relationships between themes and categories. Majority of the respondents were trafficked into Kamathipura as minors the average age being 13. Since their entry into sex work, respondents suffered various physical health-based problems ranging from seasonal illnesses, tuberculosis to HIV/AIDS and mild to severe mental illnesses. Trafficking, seclusion from society and confinement hindered their access to health-care. Majority of the respondents stated that they saw the doctor for the first time when they were either pregnant or extremely sick. For minor illnesses and injuries, they took medicines that were given to them by their pimps or brothel owners. This study highlights vulnerable health conditions of trafficked victims and addresses gaps in health interventions for sex workers in India. The study also proposes social work practice and policy changes for reaching out to victims and addressing their needs at an earlier stage.

Advocacy for health and health education Diversity and culture Public health or related education Social and behavioral sciences