BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of research focusing on sex work in exotic dance clubs. We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the prevalence and correlates of crack cocaine smoking among a sample of exotic dancers. METHODS: The "block," a historical red-light district in downtown Baltimore, MD, is comprised of 30 adult-entertainment establishments. Between 01/09 and 08/09, we conducted a survey with exotic dancers (N=98). The survey explored demographic, and drug and sexual/drug risk behaviors. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted using Poisson regression with robust variance estimates to examine correlates of current crack smoking. RESULTS: Crack cocaine smokers compared to non-crack cocaine smokers were significantly more likely to report: older age (29 vs. 23 years, respectively, p<0.0001); being White (79% vs. 50%, respectively, p=0.008); having been arrested (93% vs. 67%, respectively, p=0.008); daily alcohol consumption (36% vs. 17%, p=0.047); current heroin injection (57% vs. 13%, p<0.001); and current sex exchange (79% vs. 30%, p<0.001). In the presence of other variables, crack cocaine smokers compared to non-crack cocaine smokers were significantly older, more likely to report current heroin injection, and more likely to report current sex exchange. DISCUSSION: We found high levels of drug use and sexual risk behaviors as well as a number of risks behaviors associated with crack cocaine smoking among this very under-studied population. Targeted interventions are greatly needed.
BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of research focusing on sex work in exotic dance clubs. We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the prevalence and correlates of crack cocaine smoking among a sample of exotic dancers. METHODS: The "block," a historical red-light district in downtown Baltimore, MD, is comprised of 30 adult-entertainment establishments. Between 01/09 and 08/09, we conducted a survey with exotic dancers (N=98). The survey explored demographic, and drug and sexual/drug risk behaviors. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted using Poisson regression with robust variance estimates to examine correlates of current crack smoking. RESULTS:Crack cocaine smokers compared to non-crack cocaine smokers were significantly more likely to report: older age (29 vs. 23 years, respectively, p<0.0001); being White (79% vs. 50%, respectively, p=0.008); having been arrested (93% vs. 67%, respectively, p=0.008); daily alcohol consumption (36% vs. 17%, p=0.047); current heroin injection (57% vs. 13%, p<0.001); and current sex exchange (79% vs. 30%, p<0.001). In the presence of other variables, crack cocaine smokers compared to non-crack cocaine smokers were significantly older, more likely to report current heroin injection, and more likely to report current sex exchange. DISCUSSION: We found high levels of drug use and sexual risk behaviors as well as a number of risks behaviors associated with crack cocaine smoking among this very under-studied population. Targeted interventions are greatly needed.
Authors: Tim Rhodes; Jo Kimber; Will Small; John Fitzgerald; Thomas Kerr; Matthew Hickman; Greg Holloway Journal: Addiction Date: 2006-10 Impact factor: 6.526
Authors: Arijit Nandi; Thomas A Glass; Stephen R Cole; Haitao Chu; Sandro Galea; David D Celentano; Gregory D Kirk; David Vlahov; William W Latimer; Shruti H Mehta Journal: Am J Epidemiol Date: 2010-01-21 Impact factor: 4.897
Authors: D L Jones; K L Irwin; J Inciardi; B Bowser; R Schilling; C Word; P Evans; S Faruque; H V McCoy; B R Edlin Journal: Sex Transm Dis Date: 1998-04 Impact factor: 2.830
Authors: Shruti H Mehta; Noya Galai; Jacquie Astemborski; David D Celentano; Steffanie A Strathdee; David Vlahov; Kenrad E Nelson Journal: J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Date: 2006-11-01 Impact factor: 3.731