The influence of having children on HIV-related risk behaviors of female sex workers and their intimate male partners in two Mexico-US border cities.
Among female sex workers who use drugs, the experience of having children and its effect on HIV risk behaviors remains underexplored. We draw from a study of 214 female sex workers and their intimate non-commercial partners in Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez, México (n = 428), approximately 30% of whom have children living with them. During qualitative interviews with 41 of these couples, having children emerged as an important topic. Children influenced partners' lives and HIV-related risk behaviors in positive and negative ways. Couples perceived that children strengthened their relationships. Concern for children's well-being motivated couples to contemplate healthier lifestyle changes. However, childrearing costs motivated sex work and structural constraints prevented couples from enacting lifestyle changes. Case studies illustrate these themes and highlight implications for couple- and family-based harm reduction interventions. Specifically, our results suggest a need for economic alternatives to sex work while working with families to develop risk reduction skills.
['Rolon|Maria Luisa|ML|', 'Syvertsen|Jennifer L|JL|', 'Robertson|Angela M|AM|', 'Rangel|M Gudelia|MG|', 'Martinez|Gustavo|G|', 'Ulibarri|Monica D|MD|', 'Servin|Argentina|A|', 'Strathdee|Steffanie A|SA|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D002648:Child D002675:Child, Preschool D005260:Female D015658:HIV Infections D006801:Humans D007223:Infant D007398:Interpersonal Relations D007407:Interviews as Topic D008297:Male D008800:Mexico D036301:Qualitative Research D012309:Risk-Taking D011477:Sex Work D060386:Sex Workers D012725:Sexual Behavior D012747:Sexual Partners D012959:Socioeconomic Factors D047568:Unsafe Sex
children female sex workers HIV Mexico couple-based research