To examine differences in suicidality, economic strain, food security, and self-efficacy among women engaged in commercial sex based on sex trafficking classification.
Approach:
Study Design: Analyzed endline survey data from women engaged in commercial sex in Kédougou, Senegal, using link-tracing sampling and survey-weighted descriptive and regression models.
Key Findings:
In the full analytic sample (N = 842), 450 respondents (53.4%) were classified as individuals who experienced sex trafficking.
In survey-weighted multivariable models adjusting for age, economic strain, food security, and self-efficacy, sex trafficking classification was not independently associated with suicidality.
Greater economic strain was associated with higher suicidality severity.
Higher self-efficacy was associated with lower suicidality severity.
In the full sample, food security showed a trend toward lower suicidality (p <.10).
Cumulative domain exposure to trafficking showed a modest dose–response association with suicidality severity.
Interpretation:
Suicidality among women engaged in commercial sex is more strongly associated with economic strain and self-efficacy than with sex trafficking classification.
Limitations:
The study relies on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias.
Limited research on sex trafficking in Senegal may affect the generalizability of findings.
Conclusion:
Interventions should address material hardship and strengthen coping capacity, capturing cumulative trafficking-related harms.
