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Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy
Published in: Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Research

Substance abuse, treatment needs and access among female sex workers and non-sex workers in Pretoria, South Africa

Authors: Wendee M Wechsberg, Li-Tzy Wu, William A Zule, Charles D Parry, Felicia A Browne, Winnie K Luseno, Tracy Kline, Amanda Gentry

Published in: Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Background

This study examined cross-sectional data collected from substance-using female sex workers (FSW) and non-sex workers (non-SW) in Pretoria, South Africa, who entered a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Women who reported alcohol use and recently engaging in sex work or unprotected sex were recruited for a randomized study. The study sample (N = 506) comprised 335 FSW and 171 female non-SW from Pretoria and surrounding areas. Self-reported data about alcohol and other drug use as well as treatment needs and access were collected from participants before they entered a brief intervention.

Results

As compared with female non-SW, FSW were found to have a greater likelihood of having a past year diagnosis of alcohol or other drug abuse or dependence, having a family member with a history of alcohol or other drug abuse, having been physically abused, having used alcohol before age 18, and having a history of marijuana use. In addition, the FSW were more likely to perceive that they had alcohol or other drug problems, and that they had a need for treatment and a desire to go for treatment. Less than 20% of participants in either group had any awareness of alcohol and drug treatment programs, with only 3% of the FSW and 2% of the non-SW reporting that they tried but were unable to enter treatment in the past year.

Conclusion

FSW need and want substance abuse treatment services but they often have difficulty accessing services. The study findings suggest that barriers within the South African treatment system need to be addressed to facilitate access for substance-using FSW. Ongoing research is needed to inform policy change that fosters widespread educational efforts and sustainable, accessible, woman-sensitive services to ultimately break the cycle for current and future generations of at-risk South African women.
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Metadata
Title
Substance abuse, treatment needs and access among female sex workers and non-sex workers in Pretoria, South Africa
Authors
Wendee M Wechsberg
Li-Tzy Wu
William A Zule
Charles D Parry
Felicia A Browne
Winnie K Luseno
Tracy Kline
Amanda Gentry
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1747-597X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1747-597X-4-11

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