The impact of violence on sex risk and drug use behaviors among women engaged in sex work in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Abstract Background Violence, substance use, and HIV disproportionately impact female entertainment and sex workers (FESW), but causal pathways remain unclear. Methods We examined data from an observational cohort of FESW age 15–29 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for associations between violence exposure and sexual risk and drug use. Validated measures of physical and sexual violence were assessed at baseline. Self-reported outcomes measured quarterly over the next 12-months included past month sexual partners, consistent condom use by partner type, sex while high, and amphetamine type stimulant (ATS) use. Biomarkers measured quarterly included prostate specific antigen (PSA) and urine toxicology. Generalized estimating equations were fit adjusting for age, education, marital status and sex work venue. Results Of 220 women, 48% reported physical or sexual violence in the preceding 12-months. Physical violence was associated with increased number of sex partners (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.33; 95% CI: 1.04–1.71), greater odds of sex while high (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.42; 95% CI: 1.10–5.33), increased days of ATS use (aIRR 2.74; 95% CI: 1.29–5.84) and increased odds of an ATS+ urine screen (aOR 2.80, 95%CI: 1.38–5.66). Sexual violence predicted decreased odds of consistent condom use with non-paying partners (aOR 0.24; 95% CI: 0.10–0.59) and greater odds of a PSA+ vaginal swab (aOR 1.83; 95% CI: 1.13–2.93). Conclusions Physical and sexual violence are prevalent among Cambodian FESW and associated with subsequent sexual risk and drug use behaviors. Clinical research examining interventions targeting structural and interpersonal factors impacting violence is needed to optimize HIV/AIDS prevention among FESW.