Prevalence and Demographic Correlates in Selling Sex During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Lisa Fedina, PhD; Sarah Peitzmeier, PhD & Louise Ashwell, MSW | September 24 | 1:45-2:45 PM
Topic: Research| Knowledge Level: Beginner
Americans are facing high levels of economic insecurity during the COVID-19 crisis. Certain populations may be at greater risk for exchanging sex in order to meet basic needs. This study examines the prevalence and demographic correlates of exchanging sex during COVID-19. An online, cross-sectional survey was administered to a general population sample of women and transgender/non-binary adults residing in the state of Michigan (N = 1,169). A total of 3.4% (n = 40) of participants reported that someone had asked them for sex as a form of payment for rent since the start of the pandemic; 3.4% (n = 40) had been asked for sex in exchange for protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., face masks, hand sanitizer); and 3.2% (n = 37) had exchanged sex for money, food, or a place to stay because of the pandemic. Participants who were ages 25-44, with high school educations, lesbian/bisexual/queer, transgender/non-binary, pregnant, and had a documented disability were all more likely to have been asked for sex in exchange for rent, asked for sex in exchange for PPE, and to have exchanged sex during the pandemic for money, food, or a place to stay. Native American women and Black women were more likely to have been asked for sex in exchange for rent than other racial/ethnic groups. Essential workers were more likely to have been asked for sex in exchange for PPE. Findings highlight vulnerable groups among women and transgender individuals who may experience heightened economic and health vulnerabilities during the COVID-19 crisis.
Presentation Objectives:
· Provide an overview of the study, including main questions, methodology, and findings
· Describe the implications and/or recommendations based on the research