Development of Out-reach Strategies to Approach Freelance Female Sex Workers in Amphae Maung, Chonburi Province

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop strategies to reach freelance female sex workers (FFSW). Descriptive Research was used to develop strategies to approach FFSW providing sex services at public parks. Simi-structured interview through focus-group discussion was conducted with 16 FFSW (3-4 per group) to understand reasons why in the business, problems encountering while working, daily-life activities and health care. Four step were identified to access these vulnerable women: 1) Team building, 2) Material to distribution, 3) Map survey and sex worker registration, 4) Method to contract FFSW. Reasons for entering the business were economic constraint, no education to get well-paid jobs, having debt, and side-line job. The problems facing while working were being arrested, getting sexual harassment and being left in dangerous area. They solved the problem by buying motorcycle so that they could get away from police and being left by customers. Most of them never checked their health and reasons for not doing so was not knowing where to go and waiting time was long. Common health issues were lower-abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, itching, and dysuria. They provided self-treatment by over counter medication, if not better then went to the hospital or private clinic. They always used condoms with customers but not for husbands or partners. Out-reach strategies to approach FFSW were established in order to promote safe sex practice and to provide STIs /HIV information. Strategies to facilitate these vulnerable women to get into health service should be developed. Learn Live styles of FFSW to develop next step of out reach.