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Measuring vulnerability among female sex workers in India using a multidimensional framework

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  • Bidhubhusan Mahapatra
  • Ruchira Bhattacharya
  • Yamini Atmavilas
  • Niranjan Saggurti

Abstract

Measuring vulnerability and identifying determinants of vulnerability are key to designing interventions for marginalized groups like sex workers. The current study introduces a new approach of measuring vulnerability among female sex workers (FSWs) by adopting a multidimensional poverty measurement framework. A multidimensional vulnerability index was created from four dimensions and 16 indicators using a dual cut-off approach. The study found that 55% of FSWs were multidimensionally vulnerable with 48% of intensity in vulnerability. The overall value of multidimensional vulnerability index was 0.265. FSWs in Maharashtra were most vulnerable (82%). Lack of financial security contributed mostly to FSWs’ vulnerability. Further, compared to less vulnerable FSWs, multidimensionally vulnerable ones were more to engage in behaviors that put them at risk such as inconsistent use of condoms with clients, alcohol consumption, engaging in anal sex with clients and experiencing sexually transmitted infections. Findings suggest that structural, social and financial vulnerabilities of FSWs need to be addressed concurrently.

Suggested Citation

  • Bidhubhusan Mahapatra & Ruchira Bhattacharya & Yamini Atmavilas & Niranjan Saggurti, 2018. "Measuring vulnerability among female sex workers in India using a multidimensional framework," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(9), pages 1-13, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0204055
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204055
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sangram Kishor Patel & Parimi Prabhakar & Anrudh Kumar Jain & Niranjan Saggurti & Rajatashuvra Adhikary, 2016. "Relationship between Community Collectivization and Financial Vulnerability of Female Sex Workers in Southern India," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(5), pages 1-12, May.
    2. Alkire, Sabina & Santos, Maria Emma, 2014. "Measuring Acute Poverty in the Developing World: Robustness and Scope of the Multidimensional Poverty Index," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 251-274.
    3. Alkire, Sabina & Foster, James, 2011. "Counting and multidimensional poverty measurement," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 95(7), pages 476-487.
    4. Shalini Bharat & Bidhubhusan Mahapatra & Suchismita Roy & Niranjan Saggurti, 2013. "Are Female Sex Workers Able to Negotiate Condom Use with Male Clients? The Case of Mobile FSWs in Four High HIV Prevalence States of India," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(6), pages 1-8, June.
    5. Cornish, Flora & Priego-Hernandez, Jacqueline & Campbell, Catherine & Mburu, Gitau & McLean, Susie, 2014. "The impact of community mobilisation on HIV prevention in middle and low income countries: a systematic review and critique," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 56364, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    6. Kai-yuen Tsui, 2002. "Multidimensional poverty indices," Social Choice and Welfare, Springer;The Society for Social Choice and Welfare, vol. 19(1), pages 69-93.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nomita P. Kumar & Achala Srivastava, 2021. "Measuring the Employment Vulnerability Among Female Workers in Uttar Pradesh," Indian Journal of Human Development, , vol. 15(2), pages 307-322, August.
    2. Shinice Jackson & Derek Yu, 2023. "Re-examining the Multidimensional Poverty Index of South Africa," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 166(1), pages 1-25, February.
    3. Bidhubhusan Mahapatra & Monika Walia & Sangram Kishor Patel & Madhusudana Battala & Saradiya Mukherjee & Prachi Patel & Balakrishnan Subramanium & Yamini Atmavilas & Niranjan Saggurti, 2020. "Sustaining consistent condom use among female sex workers by addressing their vulnerabilities and strengthening community-led organizations in India," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(7), pages 1-17, July.
    4. Sangram Kishor Patel & Saradiya Mukherjee & Bidhubhusan Mahapatra & Madhusudana Battala & Matangi Jayaram & Sameer Kumta & Yamini Atmavilas & Niranjan Saggurti, 2019. "Enhancing financial security of female sex workers through a community-led intervention in India: Evidence from a longitudinal survey," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(10), pages 1-13, October.

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