Harms of Workplace Inspections for Im/Migrant Sex Workers in In-Call Establishments: Enhanced Barriers to Health Access in a Canadian Setting

Abstract

Given shifting sex work criminalization and enforcement in Canada, this study examined worrying about workplace inspections by authorities amongst indoor sex workers in Vancouver (2014–2017). Data were drawn from a community-based prospective cohort of sex workers (AESHA). Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to investigate factors associated with worry about inspections. 23.9% of participants experienced workplace inspections; 51.6% worried about inspections. In multivariable analyses, worrying about inspections was associated with recent im/migration [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.77–5.53], police harassment (AOR 3.49; 95% CI 1.92–6.34), and workplace violence (AOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.09–2.51). In a multivariable confounder model, worry was independently associated with barriers to health access (AOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.06–1.98). Im/migrant indoor workers are disproportionately impacted by concerns about workplace inspections, which was independently linked to enhanced barriers to health access. Current criminalization measures may exacerbate health inequities among im/migrant sex workers.

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