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International Journal for Equity in Health
Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research

Barriers to health service access among female migrant Ugandan sex workers in Guangzhou, China

Authors: Alissa Davis, Beth E. Meyerson, Blessing Aghaulor, Katherine Brown, Adisyn Watson, Kathryn E. Muessig, Ligang Yang, Joseph D. Tucker

Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Increased trade between China and Uganda has fueled trafficking of female Ugandans into China. These women may face challenges accessing health services. This study focused on examining barriers to health care access among female Ugandan sex workers in China.

Methods

In 2014, we undertook in-depth interviews with 19 female Ugandan sex workers in Guangzhou, China. Interviews focused on barriers to health service access and were analyzed using an a priori coding framework followed by open-coding to capture emergent themes.

Results

Out of 19 women, 12 women reported a history of being trafficked into China. None of the women had a valid Chinese visa. Fear of being arrested for lack of documentation discouraged women in this sample from accessing hospital services. Low pay, housing exploitation, and remittances contributed to participants’ lack of financial resources, which further inhibited their ability to access health services. Participants expressed feeling social isolation from the local community and reported mistrust of local individuals and organizations, including hospitals.

Conclusion

Ugandan sex workers in China faced substantial structural barriers that limited health service access. Policy changes and the development of new programs are urgently needed to ensure these women have improved access to health services.
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Metadata
Title
Barriers to health service access among female migrant Ugandan sex workers in Guangzhou, China
Authors
Alissa Davis
Beth E. Meyerson
Blessing Aghaulor
Katherine Brown
Adisyn Watson
Kathryn E. Muessig
Ligang Yang
Joseph D. Tucker
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Journal for Equity in Health / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1475-9276
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-016-0453-2

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