Mental Health, Violence, and Drug Use in Sex Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objective: To review mental health, violence, and drug use in sex workers during the covid-19 pandemic. Methods: Scoping review in Scopus, PubMed, and SciELO. Studies in English and Spanish published in 2021 to 2022 were included, excluding secondary or pre-pandemic studies. Results: Of the 938 articles found, only 6 were analyzed. Most studies (n=3) were conducted in developed countries with young women and carriers of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Mental health was affected in prevalence from 26% to 82%. Violence was present in 50% and drug use in sex workers was reported from 21% to 75%. Conclusion: There is limited scientific production on mental health, violence and drug use in sex workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety, depression, stress and suicidal behaviors reported high prevalence.