Telehealth resources and utilization interest among women who sell sex: An explanatory sequential mixed methods study. Public Health Pract (Oxf) 2024 Jun;7:100502
Date
05/27/2024Pubmed ID
38800541Pubmed Central ID
PMC11127207DOI
10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100502Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85193266189 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Among a sample of women who sell sex (WSS), we examined unmet health needs, resources for telehealth, utilization interest, and attributes associated with interest in using telehealth.
STUDY DESIGN: Explanatory sequential mixed methods.
METHODS: WSS (N = 52) completed a fixed choice survey and focus group (N = 6, 26 individuals) from drop-in centers serving WSS. Chi-square/t-tests and results from the survey data informed the semi-structured focus group interview guide. Thematic analysis of focus group data was conducted to identify themes.
RESULTS: Over half (58 %) of participants expressed interest in using telehealth; however, some lack the necessary resources for use. While 60 % of participants own mobile phones and 46 % have access to a computer, only 35 % have a secure, private space for telehealth appointments. Interest in telehealth was higher among participants who self-identified as having high risk for HIV compared to low risk for HIV (79 % versus 46 %, p = 0.024), and among those considering PrEP for HIV prevention versus not considering PrEP (68 % versus 32 %, p = 0.046). Focus group participants preferred face-to-face encounters for complex medical concerns but expressed interest in telehealth for improved access to healthcare providers for routine care and mental health.
CONCLUSION: Incorporating telehealth into community organizations could be one strategy to address health inequities experienced by WSS. Access to resources, including technology and safe spaces may be well-accepted if offered at trusted community organizations. Such accessibility addresses a gap in care for WSS and paves the way for new avenues for HIV prevention, mental health support, and research related to unmet health needs among WSS.
