Published Paper Details:

The current Convergent parallel mixed method study is a result of a pilot study conducted on 5 subjects by using in-depth interviews for qualitative data to explore lived experiences and 25 subjects for quantitative data to assess the health consequences of female sex workers registered with selected NGOs. A purposive sampling technique was used to allocate the samples and data were collected with the help of a quantitative Interview Schedule. The findings of the study revealed that according to General Health Assessment, most of the women are anaemic and also have systemic health-related issues like hypertension, diabetes, skin infections, and urinary tract infections, and for Mental Health Assessment - DASS-42 depict that 95.3% of respondents (261 individuals) are in the severe stress category (scores 85-126), 4.7% (13 individuals) are moderate (43-84), and no one is in the mild category (0-42). For Qualitative data collection, a Semi-structured Interview guide (Audio-tape recorder) was used to determine factors that forced or influenced them to enter into sex work. After the guided interview, the researcher found the facts that low income, Influence of peers or social networks, Human trafficking or exploitation, Desire for financial independence, History of trauma, abuse, or exploitation, Mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety), Substance abuse or addiction, Family or relationship problems.