Experiences of Sex Workers in Chicago during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

Randi Singer (), Sarah Abboud, Amy K. Johnson, Jessica L. Zemlak, Natasha Crooks, Sangeun Lee, Johannes Wilson, Della Gorvine, Jahari Stamps, Douglas Bruce, Susan G. Sherman, Alicia K. Matthews and Crystal L. Patil
Additional contact information
Randi Singer: Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
Sarah Abboud: Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
Amy K. Johnson: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Jessica L. Zemlak: College of Nursing, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
Natasha Crooks: Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
Sangeun Lee: Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
Johannes Wilson: Howard Brown Health Center, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Della Gorvine: Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
Jahari Stamps: Southside Health Advocacy Resource Partnership, Chicago, IL 60653, USA
Douglas Bruce: Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Susan G. Sherman: Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
Alicia K. Matthews: Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY 10032, USA
Crystal L. Patil: Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 11, 1-15

Abstract: COVID-19 exacerbated health disparities, financial insecurity, and occupational safety for many within marginalized populations. This study, which took place between 2019 and 2022, aimed to explore the way in which sex workers ( n = 36) in Chicago were impacted by COVID-19. We analyzed the transcripts of 36 individual interviews with a diverse group of sex workers using thematic analysis. Five general themes emerged regarding the detrimental impact of COVID-19 on sex workers: (1) the impact of COVID-19 on physical health; (2) the economic impact of COVID-19; (3) the impact of COVID-19 on safety; (4) the impact of COVID-19 on mental health; and (5) adaptive strategies for working during COVID-19. Participants reported that their physical and mental health, economic stability, and safety worsened due to COVID-19 and that adaptive strategies did not serve to improve working conditions. Findings highlight the ways in which sex workers are particularly vulnerable during a public health crisis, such as COVID-19. In response to these findings, targeted resources, an increased access to funding, community-empowered interventions and policy changes are needed to protect the health and safety of sex workers in Chicago.

Keywords: sex workers; qualitative design; COVID-19; health; safety (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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