Occupational Health and Safety of Sex Workers: A Review Article
Keywords:
sex workers, occupational healthAbstract
The sex industry in Thailand is estimated to be one of the largest grey market businesses in the country, grossing approximately 0.2-billion baht per year. However, a thorough occupational hazards investigation has not been performed on this industry, and full healthcare services for workers in the industry are rarely provided, supposedly due to the illegality of their jobs and to the substantial stigmatization from society. This study reviewed the relevant literature, news and articles related to the occupational health and safety of commercial sex workers, then classified the findings into several related factors: legal viewpoint, violence, mental health problems, alcohol and drug abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and unwanted pregnancies. Increasing the occupational health and reducing the safety risk of sex workers is an area with promising growth
potential, as these workers are a valuable workforce whose intrinsic needs are not being met.
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