Reproductive Health Concerns of Women With High Risk Sexual Behaviors

Abstract

Introduction Expansion of reproductive health services and addressing its different aspects in national and international levels is an important step towards ensuring family and public health. Female sex workers are a vulnerable population that are exposed to high risk sexual behaviors and increased incidence of co-morbid health problems. This study aims to identify the concerns of women with high risk sexual behaviors. Clarifying different aspects of reproductive health and its problems in female sex workers can assist relevant authorities to plan and intervene on reproductive health and to provide more effective solutions on this issue. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis approach. Snowball sampling was performed in 20 volunteer women with high risk sexual behaviors through in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted in drop-in centers, triangle centers, etc. The data were analyzed through conventional content analysis using the MAXQDA software. Results Five main categories and 13 subcategories emerged during the interviews. The main categories included violence, fear, and lack of knowledge, stigma, and psychological problems. Women with high risk sexual behaviors have several reproductive health concerns, including unwanted pregnancy, abortion, STIs (Sexually transmitted infections ), HIV, etc. In addition, different types of violence and threats against women, intimidation, objectification, stigma, unresponsiveness of counselling centers, patriarchal culture, gender inequality, etc. were observed in these women. Conclusion The study revealed that women in this study experienced deep problems of reproductive health and little attention is paid to them by authorities. Proper planning and appropriate solutions should be provided to solve the problems of these women and the society.

Stigmatizing and inaccessible: The perspectives of female sex workers on barriers to reproductive healthcare utilization – A scoping review

“…Stigmatization seemed to have occurred mainly within client–provider interactions: eight of the studies reported incidents whereby sex workers experienced negative and differential treatment from staff members (Bick et al., 2017; Corneli et al., 2016; Ochako et al., 2018; Parmley et al., 2019; Rocha‐Jiménez et al., 2018; Ross et al., 2021; Wahed et al., 2017; Zenouzi et al., 2021). For example, a woman with high‐risk sexual behaviour from Iran said:

I don't like to go to health centers.

…”

“…Once I asked a question from a mid‐wife, she looked to her colleagues and laughed at me; I will never go there again. (Zenouzi et al., 2021, p. 6)…”

Improving Women's Health in the 21st Century: Current Challenges, Medical Advancements and Future Prospects

“…To ensure better reproductive health outcomes, it's imperative for policymakers and healthcare providers to enhance access to reproductive healthcare services such as contraception, safe and legal abortion services, and family planning. In addition, instructional programs that promote sexual health, foster healthy relationships, and uphold reproductive rights have the potential to lessen unintended pregnancies and maximize health benefits from reproductive services [9].…”