HEALTH RISKS AMONG
FILIPINO FEMALE ADOLESCENT COMMERCIAL SEX WORKERS UNDERGOING REHABILITATION
Francisco RH,
Tamesis AB, Resurreccion MM, Magararu EM
Division of
Pediatric Medicine, Philippine Children's Medical Center, Quezon City,
Philippines
Objectives: To determine the
socio-demographic profile and work background of Filipino female adolescent
commercial sex workers (CSWs) and the effects of their work and their
working environment on their health.
Materials & Methods: This is a descriptive
study involving face-to-face, semi-structured interview of 23 Filipino
female adolescents, former CSWs and currently undergoing rehabilitation in
a government facility.
Results: Of the 23 respondents aged 15-18
years (Mean: 16.30 + 1.49 years), majority (74%) voluntarily entered
the sex trade between the ages 13-17 years (Mean:15.87 + 0.64 years) due to financial reasons
(74%) and peer influence(60.9%).
A few (26%) were deceived by recruiters. More than a third (39.1%)
were abused as a child.
All, except one (95.7%), had their first
sexual intercourse at a mean age of 15.30 + 0.22 years. Majority
(77.2%) had it even prior to working as CSW. About half (47.8%) claimed to
have been tested for STD with unknown results. Only two (8.7%) had been
pregnant and none had an abortion. All were out of school due to peer
influence (60.9%) and/or financial reasons (47.8%). Majority (73.9%) only
finished elementary. Due to depression, many (73.9%) had suicidal
ideations. More than half (65.2%) were physically abused at work. To cope
with pressures, many resorted to smoking (56.5%), drinking alcoholic
beverages (65.2%) and taking prohibited drugs (47.8%).
Conclusions: Commercial sexual
exploitation of female adolescents subject them to extreme physical,
psychosocial and emotional abuse, and exposes them to various health risks
such as respiratory diseases, drug addiction, early pregnancy, maternal
mortality and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
Recommendations: Programs
should be established to improve the health conditions of female adolescent
CSWs; the survey should be done to include male adolescent CSWs and those
who are still actively engaged in the sex trade; family ties should be
strengthened; and communities
should be made aware of the continued exploitation of children.