A Cross Sectional Survey on Socio Demographic Profile and Work-Related Health Risks of Bangladeshi Female Sex Workers

Background: Commercial sex is one of the leading occupational health risks in Bangladesh. Knowing health risks in female sex workers is of great importance for protection. Various work-related factors are in charge to develop the health risks. The current study aimed to find out the socio demographic profile and work-related health risks among female sex workers. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional survey. The sample comprised 315 female sex workers with an age range of 18-49 years. A purposive sampling techniques were used and data were obtained by face to face interview with a structured administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software (version 20.0). P-value represented as chi-square test and level of significance (p<0.05). Results: Sexual, emotional and physical assault along with urinary tract infection and musculoskeletal pain were the prevailing work-related health risks found in this study. Results indicated that brothels were the highest place of work among female sex workers. Most of the participants knew about sexually transmitted diseases and infections but some appeared not consistently use a condom. Age group 20-40 years were the vulnerable group for the sex work. Most participants reported poor level of education, as well as low economic conditions. However, there was a significant (p<0.05) relationship found between work-related health risks and place of working. Conclusion: This study concluded that female sex workers confronted significant risks of work-related health. Some workrelated and socio demographic factors are sensible to develop health risks. Increasing awareness and educational support might help to reduce the work-related health risks among female sex workers.