Internet solicitation linked to enhanced occupational health and safety outcomes among sex workers in Metro Vancouver, Canada 2010–2019

Abstract

ObjectivesExamine the independent association between online solicitation and sex workers’ (SWs’) occupational health and safety (OHS), particularly violence and work stress.MethodsData were drawn from a cohort of women SWs (N=942, 2010–2019) in Vancouver, Canada. Analyses used descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariable logistic and linear regression using generalised estimating equations (GEE); explanatory and confounder modelling approaches were used.Results33.9% (n=319) of participants solicited online and 14.1% (n=133) primarily solicited online in the last 6 months in at least one study visit. In multivariable GEE analysis, factors associated with primarily soliciting online included younger age (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.95 per year older, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.97), sexual minority status (AOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.61 to 4.10), gender minority status (AOR 3.09, 95% CI 1.80 to 5.28), higher education (AOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.34 to 3.40), higher sex work income (AOR 1.03 per $100 weekly, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.06), being an im/migrant to Canada (AOR 2.40, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.58) and primarily servicing in informal indoor workspaces (AOR 3.47, 95% CI 2.32 to 5.20). In separate GEE confounder models, primarily soliciting online significantly (1) reduced odds of physical/sexual workplace violence (AOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.06) and (2) reduced work stress (β coefficient −0.93, 95% CI −1.59 to −0.26).Discussion/conclusionsYounger workers, gender/sexual minorities, im/migrants and those in informal indoor spaces had higher odds of soliciting online. Confounder models indicate access to online solicitation methods may support enhanced OHS. Decriminalisation of sex work—including advertising via online platforms—remains necessary to support SWs’ OHS.

Online commercial sex‑seeking among female sex workers in south China: a cross‑sectional study

“…Our study revealed a high prevalence (33.4%) of online commercial sex-seeking among FSW in China, which aligns with ndings from Canada [11] and Sweden [19], but exceeds the reported rates in Kosovo [12] and England [20]. This high prevalence may be attributed to the widespread popularity and discreet nature of the internet, which facilitates the ease of nding sexual partners.…”

“…FSW represent a high-risk group for HIV/STD transmission worldwide [1]. Online commercial sex-seeking further contributes to the escalating STD epidemic among FSW [11]. Our study aimed to shed light on the prevalence of online commercial sex-seeking among Chinese FSW and explore associated factors, thus expanding the existing literature on this topic.…”

“…The advent of the internet and dating apps has led to an increase in online commercial sexual activities among FSW. Previous studies conducted in Europe and Canada have indicated that approximately 10% and 33.9% of FSW, respectively, utilize the internet to seek commercial sex [11,12]. The prevalence of online commercial sex-seeking among FSW can be attributed to its convenience, discretion, accessibility, safety, and the ease of expanding sexual networks.…”

The Changing Meaning Of “No” In Canadian Sex Work

“…A substantial body of research now exists documenting the adoption of the internet by contact sex workers in industrialized democracies (Argento et al 2018;Minichiello, Scott, and Callander 2013;Sanders et al 2018;Sanders, Connelly, and King 2016) and strategies used by contact sex workers who advertise online to enhance occupational health and safety (Bernier et al 2021;Bungay and Guta 2018;Cunningham and Kendall 2010;Jiao, Bungay, and Jenkins 2021;Kille et al 2017;Kolar, Atchison, and Bungay 2014;Machat et al 2022;Strohmayer, Clamen, and Laing 2019). However, most of this research is based on questionnaire and interview data from relatively small sample populations or small collections of websites or online ads.…”

“…As a safety strategy, advertising online significantly reduces risk (Argento et al 2018;Machat et al 2022;Sanders et al 2018) and in industrialized democracies, web and telecommunications technologies have become the dominant way in which workers interact with clients. Contact sex workers who advertise online employ multiple strategies to improve occupational health and safety.…”