Metrics details. Prospective data from a community-based cohort of women sex workers in Vancouver, British Columbia — We used logistic regression with generalised estimating equations GEE to model correlates of community participation, and a confounder modeling approach to examine the association of community participation on sexually transmitted infection STI seropositivity.
Among participants, Over a quarter S ex workers who engaged in sex work community participation faced reduced odds of STI seropositivity. Building off reserach evaluating community interventions in low and middle income contexts, our study provides some of the first quantitative evidence on community participation among sex workers in Canada, and is the first to examine this in relation to sexual health outcomes.
This research demonstrates the need to scale up community participation access for sex workers, via linguistically diverse community spaces, anti-stigma initiatives, and decriminalization to reduce barriers faced by racialized sex workers and support occupational health and rights for all sex workers. In Canda, as in an increasing number of global juristictions, end-demand legislation was enacted in December , which includes the criminalization of clients, third parties and sex worker collectivization [ 15 , 16 ].
Services not informed by the unique and diverse needs of sex workers may also reinforce stigma, rather than offer meaningful and impactful support and services [ 8 , 20 ]. The substantial health, social and economic inequities experienced by sex workers highlights the need to examnine sex work community participation and how it may promote better occupational health and safety.
As well, ongoing criminalization, stigma, and a lack of funding often hinder the collectivisation of sex workers and further expansion of community supports [ 21 ]. Due to such limitations, existing supports may not be accessible or suited to diverse sex work communities, and these gaps may exacerbate existing health inequities faced by sex workers. Such organizing is described in this study as community participation CP — defined as having participated or engaged with any sex work community organizing or peer-based initiatives at both formalized and grassroots capacities.
