Engaging Survivors of Sex Trafficking in HIV and Substance Use Disorder Services: A Feasibility Study
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Principal Investigators (PIs) / Project Leads: |
GEZINSKI, LINDSAY and RICHER, ARIEL |
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Funding Organization: |
University of Utah Research Foundation & College of Social Work |
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RFP / FOA: |
Research Incentive Seed Grant Program – College of Social Work |
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Award Number: |
None |
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Project Period: |
4/1/2024 – 3/31/2025 |
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Total Funding: |
$22,500 |
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Project Status: |
In progress |
Project Description:
The primary aims of this study is to: 1) Identify barriers and facilitators for engaging survivors of sex trafficking in HIV and substance use disorder (SUD) services through venue-based care, 20 Investigate strategies to integrate prevention and treatment services into non-traditional and specialty settings, such as domestic violence and homeless shelters, and 3) Assess feasibility and acceptability of a peer educator, harm reduction intervention with survivors of sex trafficking.
Abstract:
Approximately 28 million people are trafficked globally including 6.3 million individuals for the purpose of forced commercial sexual exploitation. Commercial sex exchange is associated with inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partners, and intravenous drug use. Therefore, victims of sex trafficking are at a heightened risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Engaging survivors of sex trafficking in HIV and substance use disorder (SUD) services is essential to reduce the incidence of HIV and to prevent HIV transmission. However, no studies have been conducted on this topic. Therefore, this research study has three aims: (1) Identify barriers and facilitators for engaging survivors of sex trafficking in HIV and SUD services through venue-based care; (2) Investigate strategies to integrate prevention and treatment services into nontraditional and specialty settings, such as domestic violence and homeless shelters; and (3) Assess feasibility and acceptability of a peer educator, harm reduction intervention with survivors of sex trafficking.