Affection, kisses, and condoms: the ABC of sexual practices of female sex workers in Mexico City
Allen, B.; Cruz-Valdez, A.; Rivera-Rivera, L.; Castro, R.; Arana-García, M.ía.E.; Hernández-Avila, M.
Salud Publica de Mexico 45 Supp 5: S594-S607
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-3634 PMID: 14974270 Document Number: 233151
To describe and explore the meanings of sexual practices among female sex workers (FSW) in Mexico City. A qualitative and quantitative study was carried out. The qualitative approach was conducted in 1992 and the latter from 1991 to 1992. The study population was a representative sample of FSW (n = 335) who completed a questionnaire; 52 of them also participated in six focal groups. Simple frequencies, central trend, and dispersion measures were calculated. Qualitative data were interpreted using Grounded Theory and a feminist perspective. Female sex workers accepted vaginal penetration with clients and oral penetration to a lesser extent, while anal penetration and kissing were rejected. All sexual modalities were accepted with personal partners. In their practice, FSW use psychophysical dissociation as a psychological defense mechanism and to construct their identities. Services requested by their latest clients were: 98.4% vaginal, 39.1% oral, and 7.7% anal sex. Condom use was reported by 94%. With their personal partner, 72.6% of FSW never used condoms. The week before the study, FSW worked 3.7 +/- 1.5 days on average and had sexual intercourse with 8.6 +/- 8.1 clients. Interventions are needed to promote safe sex among FSW in their private and professional lives. The English version of this paper is available at:http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.