Measuring vulnerability among female sex workers in India using a multidimensional framework.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Economics

Background:

• Identifying vulnerability determinants is crucial for marginalized groups like female sex workers (FSWs).
• Existing vulnerability measures may not fully capture the complex challenges faced by FSWs.
• A multidimensional approach is needed to understand and address FSW vulnerability comprehensively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and apply a novel multidimensional vulnerability index for assessing female sex workers.
• To identify the key determinants contributing to the vulnerability of FSWs.
• To explore the association between multidimensional vulnerability and risk behaviors among FSWs.

Main Methods:

• A multidimensional poverty measurement framework was adapted to create a vulnerability index.
• The index incorporated four dimensions and 16 indicators using a dual cut-off approach.
• Data was collected and analyzed to quantify vulnerability levels and identify contributing factors.

Main Results:

• 55% of female sex workers (FSWs) were found to be multidimensionally vulnerable, with an intensity of 48%.
• The overall multidimensional vulnerability index score was 0.265, with FSWs in Maharashtra exhibiting the highest vulnerability (82%).
• Lack of financial security emerged as the primary determinant of vulnerability, and vulnerable FSWs engaged in higher-risk behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Multidimensional vulnerability is a significant issue among FSWs, strongly linked to financial insecurity.
• Addressing structural, social, and financial vulnerabilities concurrently is essential for effective interventions.
• The developed index provides a valuable tool for understanding and targeting interventions for FSWs.