Afecto, besos y condones: el ABC de las prácticas sexuales de las trabajadoras sexuales de la Ciudad de México

Objective. To describe and explore the meanings of sexual practices among female sex workers (FSW) in Mexico City. Material and Methods. A qualitative and quantitative study was carried out. The qualitative approach was conducted in 1992 and the latter from 1991 to 1992. The study population was a representative sample of FSW (n=335) who completed a questionnaire; 52 of them also participated in six focal groups. Simple frequencies, central trend, and dispersion measures were calculated. Qualitative data were interpreted using Grounded Theory and a feminist perspective. Results. Female sex workers accepted vaginal penetration with clients and oral penetration to a lesser extent, while anal penetration and kissing were rejected. All sexual modalities were accepted with personal partners. In their practice, FSW use psychophysical dissociation as a psychological defense mechanism and to construct their identities. Services requested by their latest clients were: 98.4% vaginal, 39.1% oral, and 7.7% anal sex. Condom use was reported by 94%. With their personal partner, 72.6% of FSW never used condoms. The week before the study, FSW worked 3.7±1.5 days on average and had sexual intercourse with 8.6±8.1 clients. Conclusions. Interventions are needed to promote safe sex among FSW in their private and professional lives.