Sex workers' experiences of access to healthcare in Flanders, Belgium

Previous research has established that sex workers have specific health needs and face significant obstacles in meeting them. This study explored the experiences of sex workers in Flanders regarding their access to healthcare and sought to identify key barriers and facilitators. Following Belgium's decriminalisation of sex work in 2022, the study also aimed to explore how this policy change was reflected in sex workers' experiences and perceptions of healthcare access. In-depth semi-structured interviews (N = 10) were conducted with sex workers in Flanders: six women and four men aged between 24 and 64 years. Transcripts of interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified: (1) specific health complaints; (2) the role of decriminalisation; (3) remaining barriers to healthcare access; and (4) support and resources for sex workers. Barriers to healthcare access included stigma and discrimination; lack of knowledge and trust in healthcare providers; long waiting times; and reluctance to disclose their occupation. Culturally sensitive training for healthcare providers, expanding the services of sex workers' organisations, and ensuring that future research examines the long-term impact of decriminalisation with diverse populations such as migrant sex workers, are recommended.