Urban gentrification and declining access to HIV/STI, sexual health, and outreach services amongst women sex workers between 2010-2014: Results of a community-based longitudinal cohort

Health Place. 2020 Mar:62:102288. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102288. Epub 2020 Feb 1.

Abstract

Despite increasing gentrification across North American cities, little is known about impacts on work and living environments and health access for marginalized women. Drawing upon prospective cohort and external spatial data, we examined changes in land use and sex workers' work/living environments in relation to gentrification exposure in Metro Vancouver (2010-2014), and modeled independent effects of gentrification exposure on reduced utilization of HIV/STI testing, sexual health, and sex worker support services. These decreases occurred despite efforts to scale-up HIV services for marginalized populations. Planning of healthcare, housing, and other support services should be responsive to shifting urban landscapes for marginalized women.

Keywords: Gentrification; HIV testing; Health services; Mapping; STI testing; Sex work.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • British Columbia / epidemiology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sex Workers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexual Health*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urban Renewal*