Comparing Quality of Life Among Female Sex Workers With and Without Addiction

Abstract

Background: Prostitution and substance abuse are among the crucial social problems in women, which affect the quality of life. However, no study has yet investigated that prostitution and substance abuse affect which dimension(s) of quality of life. The current study aimed to compare different dimensions of quality of life among female sex workers with and without drug abuse. Methods: The research design was ex post facto study. The study sample comprised 120 women (60 female sex workers with substance abuse and 60 without substance abuse). They were selected through convenience sampling method in Tehran, in 2016. They completed WHO Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire. Data analysis was done using multivariate analysis of variance and covariance methods by SPSS V. 20. Results: According to the results, there was a significant difference between female sex workers with and without drug use (P < 0.05) with regard to physical, social relationship and environment health. The sex workers without drug abuse had higher quality of life in aforementioned aspects. However, no significant difference was observed among two groups with regard to psychological health (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that quality of life in female sex workers with using drug is poorer than their counterparts who are not drug users. These findings emphasize that health care providers can consider quality of life as an essential factor in therapeutic intervention (primary and secondary) in prostitutes and addicted women. Female sex workers using drug have the psychological, social, and biological needs that require the immediate and considerable attention.

The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on resilience of vulnerable women at drop-in centers in the southeast of Iran

“…Vulnerable women are not only deprived of emotional support, but also exposed to violence, humiliation, stigma and various physical, as well as mental and verbal discriminations in families and society [ 5 ]. Thus, they have been marginalized and stigmatized in the society [ 6 ]. Wechsberg et al concluded that addicted women were more vulnerable and could not protect themselves sexually [ 7 ].…”

Role of Psychological and Social Security in Predicting Depression Among Women Living in the Homeless Shelters of Tehran

“…Depression is a pervasive disorder that affects many people at some point in their lives. Its prevalence is higher in poor than in rich people (Khodabakhshi-Koolaee et al, 2016B) and in women than in men (Young et al, 1990).…”

“…A review of various studies shows a high prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviors and the lack of awareness of sexually transmitted diseases among the temporary residents of homeless shelters in Tehran. It has been also shown that factors, such as illiteracy, the low awareness of high-risk behaviors, the high prevalence of these behaviors, being at reproductive age, and the lack of health-promoting behaviors threaten homeless women (Khodabakhshi-Koolaee et al, 2016A;Akhtarkhavari & Naderloo 2019;Khodabakhshi-Koolaee et al, 2016B).…”

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Resilience of Vulnerable Women at Drop-In Centers in the Southeast of Iran

“…Thus, they have been marginalized and stigmatized in society [5]. Wechsberg et al concluded that addicted women were more vulnerable and could not protect themselves sexually [6].…”

“…Vulnerable women are deprived of emotional support, many of whom are exposed to violence, humiliation, stigma and various physical, mental and verbal discriminations in families and society [4]. Thus, they have been marginalized and stigmatized in society [5]. Wechsberg et al concluded that addicted women were more vulnerable and could not protect themselves sexually [6].…”