Clients Bargaining for Having Unprotected Sex with Female Prostitutes

Abstract

Background: The trade of prostitution is familiar with unprotected sex, which is the main cause of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Underground sexual relationship includes bargaining (having sexual intercourse with or without a condom) between prostitutes and their clients. Qualitative studies are rare on this subject. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the quality of bargaining between prostitutes and their clients requesting for unprotected sex, according to the experiences of street Female Sex Workers (FSWs). Patients and Methods: This was a conventional content analysis to explore the themes based on 18 FSWs referral to a Drop-In Centre (DIC) of Shiraz, Iran. Transcribed data was analysed by identifying condensed meaning units, subthemes, and themes. Results: The study showed that all participants were aware of risks of unprotected sex and emphasized the use of condoms in their sexual relationships. Nevertheless, most clients had requested unprotected sex and thus each sex plan was a bargaining scenario between prostitutes and clients. Prostitute bargaining level for using a condom by the client was negatively influenced by price for each session, while factors such as having a pimp, older age of the prostitute, health literacy, and craving of the client had a positive effect on this balance of power. An important point is that the prostitutes’ resistance was related to their awareness of STDs, which effects the bargaining level for protected sex. Conclusions: Since, in the current setting, prostitution is an underground trade, it was not possible to have full access to all the dimensions of this subject. Thus, it seems that gaining awareness could play a pivotal role in the promotion of the bargaining power and minimization of related hazards. In addition, the context of the study needs customized models based on Islamic Shari’a for solving the problem.