Correlates of impulsivity among female sex workers in Mexico

Health Care Women Int. 2023 Sep;44(9):1119-1135. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2021.1958816. Epub 2021 Aug 24.

Abstract

Impulsivity is a trait characteristic that is associated with sexual risk behavior. We examined correlates of impulsivity among 602 female sex workers (FSWs) enrolled in a sexual risk reduction intervention in Mexico (2016-2020). Impulsivity was positively associated with condomless sex with clients. Higher levels of impulsivity were associated with greater use of alcohol and heavy drugs, use of illicit drugs with clients, sexual/physical abuse history, and clinical depression. Global public health policy that supports free substance abuse treatment in combination with psychotherapeutic treatments (e.g. regulation management skills) and behavioral-focused therapy may help to reduce HIV/STI incidence in this vulnerable population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • HIV Infections* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior
  • Mexico / epidemiology
  • Sex Workers*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / epidemiology