Dissertation
Survivors of sex trafficking in healthcare settings and their recommendations regarding identification screening protocols and practices
Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.), Drexel University
May 2017
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-7403
Abstract
Today, millions of children, women, and men are suffering gross human rights violations in every corner of the world, including the United States (US) and manifested through Human Trafficking (HT). This type of victimization is a public health concern and a human rights issue. US-born victims are typically commercially sexual exploited through sex trafficking. Once victimized, they become an extremely hidden population. Yet, they interact with healthcare providers (HCP) when seeking medical care at some point during their period of victimization. Although few protocols and trainings to identify HT victims in healthcare settings exist, only a limited number of hospitals and healthcare facilities implement them. Therefore, sex trafficking victims go unidentified. There is scant research investigating patient-healthcare provider interactions from the survivor of sex trafficking (SST) perspective. Therefore, this study sought to: 1) identify the type of healthcare settings sex trafficking survivors frequented during their victimization period and reasons for their visit; 2) explore SST's perceptions about their interactions with HCPs; and 3) document survivors' recommendations on how to best screen, identify, and assist victims of sex trafficking within healthcare settings. This study utilized an exploratory, concurrent mixed-methods research approach with a triangulation design model. Recruitment took place in San Diego, CA and Philadelphia, PA. A 48-item questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide were utilized to collect data. Data analyses were based on descriptive and inductive processes. Participants were US-born and self-identified as SST (N=21). Almost one-half of them were white (47.6%), followed by Blacks (23.8%). On average, SST were victimized for 4.9 years. Most commonly sought healthcare settings were Emergency Departments (ED) and community care clinics, specifically Planned Parenthood (PP). SST's non-disclosure of their victimization to medical professionals was high, 61.9%. Participants' recommendations to the healthcare community encompassed three types: 1) Knowledge and Skills; 2) Attitudes and Behaviors; and 3) Safe Plans and Resources. This study confirmed previous findings that sex trafficking victims seek care at different types of healthcare settings and reasons for seeking medical care. Most importantly, it presented noteworthy insights regarding barriers limiting SSTs from disclosing their victimization to HCPs, and thus contributes key facts with which to identify and intervene on behalf of sex trafficking victims within healthcare settings. Keywords: healthcare providers, healthcare settings, interactions, sex trafficking, United States
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Details
- Title
- Survivors of sex trafficking in healthcare settings and their recommendations regarding identification screening protocols and practices
- Creators
- Arduizur C. Richie-Zavaleta - DU
- Contributors
- Augusta M. Villanueva (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xii, 155 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Dana and David Dornsife School of Public Health; Community Health and Prevention; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 7403; 991014632595204721