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Brothel-based female child sex workers in Cambodia : key health determinants and recommendations for change


Document type: mthesis
Download file(s): 183301 (536 KB)
Abstract: Brothel based child prostitution in Cambodia is not a new phenomenon. The latest estimate, revealed nearly 2 000 child prostitutes currently residing in Cambodian brothels. Children are most often forced into sex work by an intermediary and suffer physical and mental abuse at the hands of their perpetrators or brothel owners. The purpose of this review was to gain a better understanding of the children’s key health determinants and their subsequent health problems. Recommendations for the Ministry of Health and Non-Governmental Organizations have been provided. Information was obtained by way of a literature review of years 1988 to 2009. Key health determinants of this population were identified and presented as either macro-level factors, meso-level or micro-level factors, followed by communicable and non-communicable health problems. The document concludes with recommendations summarized into several categories: disease prevention efforts, accessibility and quality of health services and suggestions for future research. The results revealed most child prostitutes suffer from either Human Immunodeficiency Virus or other types of sexually transmitted infections. They suffer multiple unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortion and subsequent psychological illnesses. To worsen matters, there is a severe shortage of health services specific to child sex workers. Improving the health of child prostitutes requires the general population to receive extensive education about child prostitution and how to prevent the spread of disease. An increase in the number of child friendly STI treatment centres, particularly those offering anti-retroviral therapy is required. Reproductive health clinics that offer safe abortion and post-abortive counseling should be accessible and available for children in brothels. Enabling this population to access health services will require the Ministry of Health to educate and motivate brothel owners.
Authors: Craig, L.
Country: Cambodia
Category: Research
Department: Development Policy & Practice
Institute: KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Keywords: children , health , health services , disease prevention and control , HIV and AIDS , reproductive health , mental health
Language: eng
Organization: KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
PAGE: ii, 65
Year: 2009
Region: Southeast Asia
Right: © 2009 Craig
Subject: Health and Nutrition
Title: Brothel-based female child sex workers in Cambodia : key health determinants and recommendations for change
Training: Master in International Health (MIH)