Quality of life and interpersonal needs of women who practice prostitution: a qualitative study
R. Pinedo González, J.M. Martín Monge

SUMMARY

Objective: The purpose was to explore, describe and analyze the speeches of different groups of women who practice prostitution; about their quality of life, health and interpersonal needs (emotional, sexual and social).

Design: Qualitative-observational design, we collect data from group interviews and then analyze these data through a twelve category system.

Emplacement: ACLAD in Valladolid.

Subjects: Group 1, six women who practice prostitution in streets, and Group 2, six women who practice prostitution in flats.

Principal measurements: Social-demographic variables and a system of 12 categories to analize information.

Results and Conclusions: The five most frequent categories for each group are: Group 1: “Feeling discriminated”, “Insecurity and robberies while working”, “Suffering physical and psychological mistreated”, “Feeling loneliness” and “Little hygiene and difficulties for using condoms with the client”. Group 2: “Feeling discriminated, “Little hygiene and difficulties for using condoms with the client”, “Feeling loneliness”, “Psychological disorder or psychological discomfort”, “Physical disease” and “Inaccessibility to sanitary services”.We have found that both groups share problems and needs that could be derived from practising prostitution, for example: feeling discriminated, loneliness and having hygiene problems and difficulties for using condoms with the client.

KEY WORDS

Prostitution, quality of life, health, discrimination, condoms.