Health Care for Women International
Volume 38, Issue 5, 2017, Pages 492-506

Recent im/migration to Canada linked to unmet health needs among sex workers in Vancouver, Canada: Findings of a longitudinal study (Article)

Sou J. , Goldenberg S.M. , Duff P. , Nguyen P. , Shoveller J. , Shannon K.*
  • a Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • b Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
  • c Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • d Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • e School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • f Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Abstract

Despite universal health care in Canada, sex workers (SWs) and im/migrants experience suboptimal health care access. In this analysis, we examined the correlates of unmet health needs among SWs in Metro Vancouver over time. Data from a longitudinal cohort of women SWs (An Evaluation of Sex Workers Health Access [AESHA]) were used. Of 742 SWs, 25.5% reported unmet health needs at least once over the 4-year study period. In multivariable logistic regression using generalized estimating equations, recent im/migration had the strongest impact on unmet health needs; long-term im/migration, policing, and trauma were also important determinants. Legal and social supports to promote im/migrant SWs’ access to health care are recommended. © 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Needs Assessment urban population longitudinal study human Longitudinal Studies statistics and numerical data health service Logistic Models sex worker Health Services Needs and Demand Humans migrant psychology Canada Emigrants and Immigrants female Socioeconomic Factors socioeconomics adult migration Sex Workers statistical model occupational health Transients and Migrants Healthcare Disparities health care disparity Health Services Accessibility health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85015684850&doi=10.1080%2f07399332.2017.1296842&partnerID=40&md5=84db371d9e047dec978e90bc06619ff2
DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2017.1296842
ISSN: 07399332
Cited by: 6
Original Language: English