The Impact of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on the Health and Social Needs of Sex Workers in Singapore

• DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-01951-8
• Publication Date: 2021-06-30T15:02:58Z
• Authors: Rayner Kay Jin Tan; Vanessa Ho; Sherry Sherqueshaa; Wany Dee; Jane Mingjie Lim; Jamie Jay-May Lo; Alvin Kuo Jing Teo; Caitlin Alsandria...; Clarence Ong; Ann Hui Ching; Mee Lian Wong
• Keywords: Sex Work; Compromise; Stigma; Social stigma; Pandemic

Abstract We evaluated the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on sex work industry and assessed how it has impacted health social conditions workers in Singapore. conducted a sequential exploratory mixed methods study amidst COVID-19 pandemic from April to October 2020, including in-depth interviews with 24 stakeholders surveyor-administered structured surveys 171 workers. had substantial workers' income. The illegality work, stigma, lack documentation were cited as exclusionary factors for access alternative jobs or government relief. Sex experienced an increase food insecurity (57.3%), housing (32.8%), sexual compromise (8.2%), well decrease medical services (16.4%). Being transgender female was positively associated increased (aPR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.08, 1.41]), 1.28, [1.03, 1.60]), decreased 1.74, [1.23, 2.46]); being venue-based worker 1.46, [1.00, 2.13]), non-Singaporean citizen permanent resident 2.59, [1.73, 3.85]). Our findings suggest that led loss income workers, greater insecurity, compromise, reduced A relief among exacerbated such conditions. Efforts address population inequities should be implemented.