Hiv Risk Behaviour and Predictors of Initiation Into Prostitution Among Female Street Youth in Montreal, Canada
Description:
Objectives: To compare HIV risk behaviours of female street youth involved and not involved in prostitution and to identify predictors of initiation into prostitution.
Methods: Female street youth aged 14--25 years were recruited into a prospective cohort study between January 1995 and March 2000. Parametric and non-parametric methods were used to compare risk factors for HIV infection. Girls with no history of prostitution at baseline were followed prospectively to estimate the incidence of prostitution. Cox regression analysis was used to determine predictors of prostitution.
Results: Significantly higher proportions of girls with a history of prostitution reported engaging in behaviours that put them at risk of HIV infection. Such behaviours included non-injection and injection drug use, unprotected sex and risky sexual partnerships. The incidence rate of prostitution among girls not engaged in prostitution at baseline was 11.5/100 person-years. Independent predictors of initiation into prostitution were being 18 years or younger (Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.2; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.0--4.8), using alcohol everyday (HR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1--1.5) and using at least three types of drugs (HR: 5.4; 95% CI: 1.6--18.4).
Conclusions: Girls involved in prostitution exhibited more behaviours that may place them at increased risk of HIV infection compared with female street youth. Young age and substance use characterised by the overuse of alcohol and multi-drug use were found to be independent predictors of initiation into prostitution for female street youth.
Type of Resource:
Book
Publication Date:
2001
Location:
Montreal