PhD Defence Charlotte Merel Marije Peters

Keywords: Sexually transmitted infections (STI), Sex workers, Migrants, Access to care  
 

"Beyond The Red Lights: Understanding the STI/HIV burden and sexual healthcare needs of home-based and migrant sex workers"

This dissertation examined the sexual health and healthcare needs of both male and female home-based and migrant sex workers in the Netherlands. 
This dissertation examined the sexual health and care needs of both male and female home-based and migrant sex workers in the Netherlands. 
Home-based sex workers, both men and women, faced specific risks and needs. They were often willing to get tested for STI, but encountered barriers such as fear of stigma, costs, and lack of anonymity. Many sex workers used strategies to reduce risk, though these were not always based on accurate information. Migrant sex workers, especially first-generation migrants, were at increased risk for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Their access to care was limited by legal concerns, lack of awareness, and structural barriers. 
This dissertation highlights the need for accessible, safe, and non-stigmatizing sexual healthcare services tailored to the diverse needs of sex workers. Targeted interventions and improved policies are necessary to reduce sexual health disparities. 

Click here for the live stream.