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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 3/2017

01-03-2017 | Original Paper

Food Insecurity Increases HIV Risk Among Young Sex Workers in Metro Vancouver, Canada

Authors: Daniella Barreto, Kate Shannon, Chrissy Taylor, Sabina Dobrer, Jessica St. Jean, Shira M. Goldenberg, Putu Duff, Kathleen N. Deering

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 3/2017

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Abstract

This research aimed to determine the effect of food insecurity on sexual HIV risk with clients among youth sex workers (YSWs) <30 years in Metro Vancouver, Canada. Data were drawn from a prospective community cohort of sex workers (2010–2013). We examined the independent relationship between YSWs’ food insecurity and being pressured into sex without a condom by clients (“client condom refusal”). Of 220 YSWs, 34.5 % (n = 76) reported client condom refusal over the 3.5-year study period and 76.4 % (n = 168) reported any food insecurity. Adjusting for other HIV risk pathways, food insecurity retained an independent effect on client condom refusal (AOR 2.08, 95 % CI 1.23–3.51), suggesting that food insecurity is significantly associated with HIV risk among YSWs. This study indicates a critical relationship between food insecurity and HIV risk, and demonstrates YSWs’ particular vulnerability. Public policies for food assistance as a harm reduction measure may be key to addressing this disparity.
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Metadata
Title
Food Insecurity Increases HIV Risk Among Young Sex Workers in Metro Vancouver, Canada
Authors
Daniella Barreto
Kate Shannon
Chrissy Taylor
Sabina Dobrer
Jessica St. Jean
Shira M. Goldenberg
Putu Duff
Kathleen N. Deering
Publication date
01-03-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-016-1558-8

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