Drug use in street sex workers (DUSSK) study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility study of an intervention to reduce illicit drug use in female drug dependent street sex workers
IRAS ID
220631
Contact name
Nicola Jeal
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
RG2756, Sponsor (University of Bristol)
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
In the UK, most female street-based sex workers use drugs such as heroin and/or crack cocaine. The need to pay for drug use, and often that of a partner, encourages involvement in sex work and drug intoxication impairs the ability to protect themselves from harm. The cycle of drug use and sex work causes health and social problems. Drug-dependent sex workers find using drug treatment services difficult and when they do, they typically do not benefit as much as other drug users.
Many sex workers have experienced trauma such as abuse and neglect as children and have been “looked after” in the social care system. Trauma can lead to an anxiety condition called post-traumatic stress disorder. Some argue that unless trauma is addressed it is unlikely that sex workers will benefit from drug treatment.
Based on our recent research, NHS and third sector services (i.e. charities) are working together to improve drug treatment for sex workers. A sex worker only drug treatment service will take place at One25, a charity supporting women selling sex on the street, instead of usual drug service premises. Sex workers will be screened for post-traumatic stress disorder and referred to specialist NHS mental health services for treatment.
We will study how acceptable the new service is for female street sex workers and how practical it is to run. For example, we want to find out whether women attend the service. We will also try to work out how much the service costs to run.
We will be using existing services in a new way and supporting NHS and charities to work together to produce a patient-focused treatment opportunity for sex workers, addressing a longstanding public health and societal issue.REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SW/0033
Date of REC Opinion
15 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion