The Female Sex Workers' Experiences of Accessing Healthcare Services in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Investigation

Abstract

The female sex workers (FSWs) are vulnerable to different health problems due to the nature of the profession. There is a major concern regarding their healthcare access and the quality available to them particularly in developing countries. This study investigated the experiences of female sex workers seeking healthcare in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. We used a qualitative research approach and the data were collected from February 1 to August 31, 2023 using a semistructured interview guide. Interviews were undertaken with 20 participants selected through purposive sampling from Khulna, Satkhira, and Jessore districts through in-depth interviews. We employed inductive reasoning and thematic analysis techniques in this study. Findings indicate FSWs seeking healthcare were subjected to stigma and harassment. There was a lack of affordable specialized healthcare services including general physical, mental, and reproductive and sexual care, and a shortage of personnel and healthcare equipment in the healthcare centers. At the same time, corruption and bad management resulting suboptimal healthcare services being delivered, along with subpar in and out-patient conditions experienced by the participants. We conclude that discrimination against the FSWs in healthcare centers need to be addressed and offering specialized healthcare services to meet their specific needs at an affordable cost for them can be helpful. Increasing well-trained manpower, and improving the accountability and infrastructure are necessary to improve the healthcare experiences and outcomes for this vulnerable community.