Assessing Functional Health Status and Psychological Well-being of Sex Workers in Parbhani, India: A Mixed-Methods Approach
Abstract: Background: This study aimed to assess functional health, psychological well-being, and self-esteem of adult female sex workers (FSWs) in Parbhani, India, living with or at high risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were quantified using the Short Form 12 Health Survey Version 2 Mental Health Enhanced (SF12v2 MH Enhanced) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem instruments. Analysis focused on identifying specific areas for interventions to improve quality of life components. Additionally, a custom feedback questionnaire was employed to gather qualitative feedback on Setu's interventions. Method: The study targeted 84 FSWs, averaging 37 years of age, representing 9.3% of the high-risk population in Setu's registry–a non-profit instituting HIV/AIDS related interventions in this region for 22 years. Participants were further divided into brothel-based workers (46/84), home-based workers (13/84), and Tamasha artistes (dancers, 25/84). Questionnaires were administered via physical prints in Hindi and Marathi by Setu-affiliated outreach workers and scored in accordance with the developer's algorithms. Results: From the SF12v2 MH enhanced survey, mean (̄) Physical Component Summary (PCS) score was 45, and mean Mental Component Summary (MCS) score was 43.2. Dancers had the lowest PCS (̄ = 44), and brothel-based workers reported the lowest MCS (̄ = 40.9); 57% of this brothel-based population was identified as possessing a high risk for depression. The Rosenberg self-esteem survey revealed low self-esteem among those afflicted with HIV/AIDS (̄ = 10.3315, n = 84). In the feedback survey, 80% of respondents reported an improved quality of life. High PCS and MCS scores were linked to those who utilized Setu's assistance to gradually transition away from the sex-trade. Conversely, those with lower scores lacked familial or peer support or often suffered from chronic comorbidities. Conclusion: Despite Setu's interventions engendering significant reforms in a below poverty line community, the sex-worker population, presented as physically and mentally stunted with scores below normative levels (PCS 50 and MCS 52). Low Rosenberg scores among HIV/AIDS subjects indicate an evident stigma-burden limiting self-esteem. Additionally, brothel-based workers are at high risk for depression. Targeted interventions–especially for brothel-based–such as counseling and medical supervision, could improve their quality-of-life related components.
Keywords: SF12v2 MH Enhanced, Rosenberg Self - Esteem Scale, functional health, psychological well - being, and self - esteem, Female sex workers, FSW, Physical Component Summary, PCS, Mental Component Summary, MCS, HIV/AIDS, NGO, Setu
How to Cite?: Aryaman Tiwary, Mark Kosinki, "Assessing Functional Health Status and Psychological Well-being of Sex Workers in Parbhani, India: A Mixed-Methods Approach", Volume 13 Issue 10, October 2024, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1-5, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR24906063641, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR24906063641