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. 2023 Feb;52(2):629-638.
doi: 10.1007/s10508-022-02405-5. Epub 2022 Sep 6.

Impact of the COVID-19 Health Crisis on Trans Women and Cis Men Sex Workers in Spain

Juan M Leyva-Moral  1 , Juliana Castro Ávila  2 , Marta Villar  3 , Beti López  4 , Héctor Adell  5 , Mercè Meroño  4 , Kevin Santander  3   6 , Laia Ferrer  7   8 , Jocelyn Mesías-Gazmuri  7   9 , Rocío Astudillo Alonso  10 , Daniela Rojas Castro  2 , Jordi Casabona  7   9   11 , Cinta Folch  7   9   11
Affiliations

Impact of the COVID-19 Health Crisis on Trans Women and Cis Men Sex Workers in Spain

Juan M Leyva-Moral et al. Arch Sex Behav. 2023 Feb.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sex workers in accessing health and social services. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 29 participants in Barcelona, Spain. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: (1) impact of COVID-19 on physical/mental health, (2) barriers and facilitators to health/social service access, (3) health decision-making, and (4) suggestions for future pandemic situations. Barriers to accessing health services were structural. Non-governmental organization support was the main facilitating factor. A person-centered, intersectional approach is suggested for future practice, considering co-occurring syndemic factors.

Keywords: COVID-19; Determinants of health; Qualitative research; Sex work; Trans women; Transgender.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

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