Young women are often lured or forced into selling sex as a result of migrating from rural to urban areas to find work. In this setting, they are exposed to high-risk situations, which may leave them vulnerable to exploitation. Using interviews with young migrant women currently working as sex workers in northern Vietnam, we recorded the perspectives of their initiation into sex work and life as a sex worker. The study found that high levels of forced sex and sexual exploitation were experienced by the majority of the young women interviewed. The young women describe their entry into sex work, first sexual experience (intercourse), violence, and condom negotiation and use. Although access to health care was available, the young women perceived the stigma attached to sex work as a barrier to receiving health care, and thus, preferred health education and care from peers. Health education programs focusing on peer education and support are essential for protecting and empowering these young women. In addition, policies and programs must work toward effective strategies to protect young migrant women. © 2005 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Vietnam Migration SEXUAL EXPLOITATION Condom use violence Decision making HIV/AIDS

Vietnam perception education program health care policy human social isolation Women, Working violence condom Condoms priority journal qualitative research interview Sexually Transmitted Diseases migrant worker health program Humans Adolescent Interviews as Topic urban rural difference female Viet Nam medical documentation occupational safety clinical article high risk population prostitution Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice sexual abuse Article experience Risk-Taking personal autonomy adult health education sexual intercourse Prejudice health care access Interviews Sex Offenses occupational health Transients and Migrants decision making Contraception Behavior Health Services Accessibility