Police sexual coercion and its association with risky sex work and substance use behaviors among female sex workers in St. Petersburg and Orenburg, Russia

摘要: Abstract Background Extensive research documents that female sex workers (FSWs) in Russia are very vulnerable to abuses from police, including police sexual coercion. However, despite qualitative data suggesting abusive policing practices more likely for FSWs contending with substance abuse issues and risky work contexts, there is a paucity of quantitative study evaluating these associations specifically terms Such needed guide structural interventions improve health safety globally. Objective The purpose this assess the prevalence coercion among two Russian cities, St. Petersburg Orenburg, determine whether riskier behaviors contexts use behaviors, both IDU alcohol use, associated increased risk police. Method Orenburg were recruited via time-location convenience sampling completed structured surveys on demographics (age, education), risks (e.g., violence during work) use. Logistic regression analyses assessed coercion, adjusting demographics. Results Participants ( N =896) aged 15 older (94% 20+ years). Most (69%) reported past year binge 48% day before. Half (56%) 4+ clients per day. Rape ever was by 64%. Police 12 months 38%. In multivariate model, current (AOR=2.09, CI=1.45–3.02) (AOR=1.46, CI=1.03–2.07) as selling street (not venues) (AOR=7.81, CI=4.53–13.48) rape (AOR=2.04, CI=1.43–2.92). Conclusion Current findings document substantial role plays lives Russia. These also highlight heightened vulnerability such self-managed abusing context. Structural addressing against may be useful population.