Street-Based Female Adolescent Puerto Rican Sex Workers: Contextual Issues and Health Needs

Authors

Margarita Burgos, University of South Carolina - Columbia
Donna L. Richter, University of South Carolina - ColumbiaFollow
Belinda Reininger, University of South Carolina - ColumbiaFollow
Ann L. Coker, University of South Carolina - ColumbiaFollow
Ruth Saunders, University of South Carolina - ColumbiaFollow
Margarita Alegria, University of Puerto RicoFollow
Mildred Vera, University of Puerto RicoFollow

Abstract

Adolescent sex workers potentially have many health needs but are included rarely in health assessments; therefore, little is known about their needs or how to reach them. This study examines the motivations, social context, and health needs of street-based adolescent sex workers. The results show these youths are more likely to experience negative health outcomes, such as unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, when they are using drugs or are depressed. These findings suggest the need for comprehensive programming to include individual, interpersonal, and greater environmental interventions. Examples for reaching adolescent sex workers are discussed.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1999

Notes/Citation Information

Published in Family & Community Health, v. 22, no. 2, p. 59-71.

This manuscript provided with permission from the publisher, and also accessible through the journal's website at http://journals.lww.com/familyandcommunityhealth/Abstract/1999/07000/Street_Based_Female_Adolescent_Puerto_Rican_Sex.7.aspx.

Dr. Ann Coker had not been a faculty member of the University of Kentucky at the time of publication.

Repository Citation

Burgos, Margarita; Richter, Donna L.; Reininger, Belinda; Coker, Ann L.; Saunders, Ruth; Alegria, Margarita; and Vera, Mildred, "Street-Based Female Adolescent Puerto Rican Sex Workers: Contextual Issues and Health Needs" (1999). CRVAW Faculty Journal Articles. 134.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/crvaw_facpub/134