A protocol for a qualitative study on sex trafficking: Exploring knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians, nurses, and social workers in Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Introduction There has been limited research on sex trafficking in Canada from a health and health care perspective, despite U.S. research which points to health care providers as optimally positioned to identify and help those who have been sex trafficked. We aim to better understand health care providers’ knowledge about, attitudes towards, and care of those who have been sex trafficked in Ontario, Canada. Methods and analysis Using a semi-structured interview guide, we will interview physicians, nurses, and social workers working in a health care setting in Ontario until data saturation is reached. An intersectional lens will be applied to the study; analysis will follow the six analytic phases outlined by Braun and Clarke. In the development of this study, we consulted the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) with regards to reflexivity and study design. We will continue to consult this checklist as the study progresses and in the writing of our analysis and findings. Discussion To our knowledge, this will be the first study of its kind in Canada. The results hold the potential to inform the development of standardized training on sex trafficking for health care providers. Results of the study may be useful in addressing sex trafficking in other jurisdictions.

Recommendations to Improve Services and Supports for Domestically Sex Trafficked Persons Derived from the Insights of Health Care Providers

“…Open-ended questions were crafted to understand health care providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding domestic sex trafficking, several of which were modified from those that comprise the Human Trafficking Myth Scale. 10 , 15 Other questions included, for example, “What do you believe patients who have been sex trafficked need most in general and also from you specifically as a health care provider?” and “What challenges stand in the way of you being able to provide the patient with appropriate support?”. Participants were recruited via the researchers’ networks, direct contact with health care organizations, and social media platforms.…”

“…Coded excerpts of the transcripts were reviewed and subsequently clustered into larger groupings, referred to here as code categories. From these emerged final themes and sub-themes (see 10 for further methodological detail).…”

“…Women's College Hospital's Research Ethics Board approved a program of research on domestic sex trafficking, of which this study is one part, in December 2021 (REB# 2021-0133-E). [10][11][12][13][14] A semi-structured interview guide was developed by multidisciplinary team members with diverse expertise in qualitative research, gender-based violence, sex trafficking, women's health, psychology, social work, and public health. Open-ended questions were crafted to understand health care providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding domestic sex trafficking, several of which were modified from those that comprise the Human Trafficking Myth Scale.…”