Maryam Shahmanesh ^1*, Sonali Wayal ², Frances Cowan ¹, David Mabey ³, Andrew Copas ¹, Vikram Patel ³

¹ University College London
² Brighton and Sussex Medical School
³ London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: bamaryjoon{at}yahoo.co.uk.

	Abstract

Objectives. We sought to study suicidal behavior prevalence and its association with social and gender disadvantage, sex work, and health factors among female sex workers in Goa, India.

Methods. Using respondent-driven sampling, we recruited 326 sex workers in Goa for an interviewer-administered questionnaire regarding self-harming behaviors, sociodemographics, sex work, gender disadvantage, and health. Participants were tested for sexually transmitted infections. We used multivariate analysis to define suicide attempt determinants.

Results. Nineteen percent of sex workers in the sample reported attempted suicide in the past 3 months. Attempts were independently associated with intimate partner violence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.38, 5.28), violence from others (AOR=2.26; 95% CI=1.15, 4.45), entrapment (AOR=2.76; 95% CI=1.11, 6.83), regular customers (AOR=3.20; 95% CI=1.61, 6.35), and worsening mental health (AOR=1.05; 95% CI=1.01, 1.11). Lower suicide attempt likelihood was associated with Kannad ethnicity, HIV prevention services, and having a child.

Conclusions. Suicidal behaviors among sex workers were common and associated with gender disadvantage and poor mental health. India’s widespread HIV-prevention programs for sex workers provide an opportunity for community-based interventions against gender-based violence and for mental health services delivery.

Key Words: Epidemiology, Global Health, Mental Health, Sexual Health, Women's Health