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Prostitution in Sheffield
The British Journal of Venereal Diseases
|June 1, 1976
Summary
Prostitution in Sheffield poses significant health risks, particularly concerning gonorrhea transmission. Despite social work policies, prostitutes remain a key vector for sexually transmitted infections, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
Background:
- Prostitution in Sheffield (population >500,000) was examined across legal, social work, and medical domains between 1960-1973.
- Prosecutions for soliciting increased locally, exceeding national trends, linked to enhanced police and social work interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the legal, social work, and medical aspects of prostitution in Sheffield.
- To evaluate the health impact, specifically sexually transmitted infections (STIs), associated with prostitution.
Main Methods:
- Review of legal and social work policies and activities from 1960-1973.
- Medical study of 60 prostitutes from 1968-1972, focusing on gonorrhea as an indicator of health risk.
Main Results:
- Prosecutions for soliciting showed a marked local increase, influenced by police activity and social policies.
- Sixty prostitutes were studied medically; gonorrhea was prevalent, with 40% experiencing salpingitis.
- Prostitutes accounted for one in six local gonorrhea infections in heterosexual men, indicating their continued role as disease vectors.
Conclusions:
- The study underscores the persistent role of prostitutes in STI transmission, refuting claims of a decline.
- Regular monitoring of prostitution and comprehensive national studies are essential for public health.
- Interventions must address both the social and medical dimensions of prostitution to mitigate health risks.