Citation

Hennink MM, Cunningham SA. Asian Popul. Stud. 2011; 7(2): 157-173.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/17441730.2011.576822

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study uses secondary data from 2006 to assess the physical and mental health of rural, homebased sex workers and their young children in rural Andhra Pradesh state of India. The analyses of survey and clinical data show a high level of morbidity amongst sex worker women and their children. Women show high levels of nutritional deficiencies, anaemia, weight loss and hospitalisation. Women's mental health is particularly serious, with 92 per cent being depressed and 57 per cent having attempted suicide. The majority have experienced domestic and workrelated violence, including rape. Clinical assessments of sex workers' children show that most have received vaccinations, but almost half have parasites, dental problems and nutritional deficiencies. Both the physical and mental health of sex worker mothers are associated with the health of their children. Therefore, health interventions focusing on sex worker mothers have the potential to improve the health of their children. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.

Language: en

Keywords

Andhra Pradesh; child health; Children; Health; India; maternal health; mental health; Mental health; morbidity; poverty; Poverty; prostitution; public health; rural area; rural society; Sex workers