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CAHSS Faculty Articles
HIV Testing and Engagement in Care Among Highly Vulnerable Female Sex Workers: Implications for Treatment as Prevention Models
ORCID ID
0000-0003-4027-7840, 0000-0002-5001-7391
ResearcherID
K-3072-2014, H-3010-2014
Publication Title
Journal of Health Care for the Poor & Underserved
ISSN
1049-2089
Publication Date
8-2014
Abstract
Background: Although emerging Treatment as Prevention models can be effective in reducing HIV incidence among high-risk populations, many HIV infected individuals remain undiagnosed or fail to engage in HIV care.
Methods: This study examined the factors associated with HIV testing and care among a population of substance using female sex workers.
Results: Recent HIV testing was associated with higher education level, having a regular health care provider or clinic, recent crack use, and higher sexual risk behaviors; HIV treatment utilization was associated with higher levels of social support, having a regular health care provider or clinic, housing stability and insurance coverage. Qualitative data revealed HIV-related stigma, denial, social isolation, and substance use as barriers to HIV testing and treatment; social support and accessibility of services were key enablers.
Conclusions: Improving HIV testing and linkage to treatment among female sex workers will require structural initiatives to reduce stigma and increase service seeking support.
DOI
10.1353/hpu.2014.0113
Volume
25
Issue
3
First Page
1360
Last Page
1378
NSUWorks Citation
Surratt, H. L., O'Grady, C. L., Kurtz, S. P., Buttram, M. E., & Levi-Minzi, M. A. (2014). HIV Testing and Engagement in Care Among Highly Vulnerable Female Sex Workers: Implications for Treatment as Prevention Models. Journal of Health Care for the Poor & Underserved, 25 (3), 1360-1378. https://doi.org/10.1353/hpu.2014.0113