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Experiences of Sex Workers in Chicago during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Randi Singer

    (Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

  • Sarah Abboud

    (Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

  • Amy K. Johnson

    (Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s, Chicago, IL 60611, USA)

  • Jessica L. Zemlak

    (College of Nursing, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA)

  • Natasha Crooks

    (Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

  • Sangeun Lee

    (Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

  • Johannes Wilson

    (Howard Brown Health Center, Chicago, IL 60613, USA)

  • Della Gorvine

    (Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

  • Jahari Stamps

    (Southside Health Advocacy Resource Partnership, Chicago, IL 60653, USA)

  • Douglas Bruce

    (Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614, USA)

  • Susan G. Sherman

    (Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Alicia K. Matthews

    (Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY 10032, USA)

  • Crystal L. Patil

    (Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

Abstract

COVID-19 exacerbated health disparities, financial insecurity, and occupational safety for many within marginalized populations. This study, which took place between 2019 and 2022, aimed to explore the way in which sex workers ( n = 36) in Chicago were impacted by COVID-19. We analyzed the transcripts of 36 individual interviews with a diverse group of sex workers using thematic analysis. Five general themes emerged regarding the detrimental impact of COVID-19 on sex workers: (1) the impact of COVID-19 on physical health; (2) the economic impact of COVID-19; (3) the impact of COVID-19 on safety; (4) the impact of COVID-19 on mental health; and (5) adaptive strategies for working during COVID-19. Participants reported that their physical and mental health, economic stability, and safety worsened due to COVID-19 and that adaptive strategies did not serve to improve working conditions. Findings highlight the ways in which sex workers are particularly vulnerable during a public health crisis, such as COVID-19. In response to these findings, targeted resources, an increased access to funding, community-empowered interventions and policy changes are needed to protect the health and safety of sex workers in Chicago.

Suggested Citation

  • Randi Singer & Sarah Abboud & Amy K. Johnson & Jessica L. Zemlak & Natasha Crooks & Sangeun Lee & Johannes Wilson & Della Gorvine & Jahari Stamps & Douglas Bruce & Susan G. Sherman & Alicia K. Matthew, 2023. "Experiences of Sex Workers in Chicago during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(11), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:11:p:5948-:d:1155285
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hennink, Monique & Kaiser, Bonnie N., 2022. "Sample sizes for saturation in qualitative research: A systematic review of empirical tests," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
    2. Beattie, T.S.H. & Mohan, H.L. & Bhattacharjee, P. & Chandrashekar, S. & Isac, S. & Wheeler, T. & Prakash, R. & Ramesh, B.M. & Blanchard, J.F. & Heise, L. & Vickerman, P. & Moses, S. & Watts, C., 2014. "Community mobilization and empowerment of female sex workers in karnataka state, south india: Associations with hiv and sexually transmitted infection risk," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(8), pages 1516-1525.
    3. Deering, K.N. & Amin, A. & Shoveller, J. & Nesbitt, A. & Garcia-Moreno, C. & Duff, P. & Argento, E. & Shannon, K., 2014. "A systematic review of the correlates of violence against sex workers," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(5), pages 42-54.
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