The Subjective Experience of Social Stigma on Mental Health among Cisgender Women Sex Workers in Colombia

Abstract

This qualitative and phenomenological study, through 16 in-depth face-to-face interviews and two discussion groups, elucidates the subjective experience of social stigma on mental health among 34 cisgender women sex workers in Colombia. After reflective and inductive thematic analysis of the data, two general themes emerged with their respective subthemes: (1) institutional stigma, insensitivity of healthcare providers, abuse of power by the police force, societal disapproval of the occupation, and unequal social treatment; (2) interpersonal stigma, language as a perpetrator of social stigma, family abandonment, conflict with work identity, and social isolation. A holistic approach is needed that addresses unmet needs and high vulnerability to deterioration of mental well-being due to social stigma against this group.