Sexual health care for sex workers

Background: The Australian STI Prevention Framework identifies sex workers as a priority group. The Hunter New England Sexual Health Unit, based at the Royal Newcastle Hospital (New South Wales) provides free sexual health care to sex industry workers. Objective: To assess current service delivery and barriers to accessing sexual health care by registered brothel based sex industry workers in the Hunter New England area. Method: An on site survey of 36 sex industry workers was conducted. Results: Seventy-four percent of participants sought sexual health advice from a general practitioner compared to 37% from the sexual health unit. Seventy-seven percent of participants reported having their sexual health screening carried out according to guidelines. The most frequently stated reason for not using the sexual health unit was the inconvenience of clinic opening times. Discussion: This study highlights the important role that GPs play in providing sexual health care to sex industry workers. It provides the impetus for future research, education and strategies to improve health service delivery to this important group of patients.