The role of crystal methamphetamine in social relationships of female sex workers in Hanoi

Abstract

       Use of crystal methamphetamine (ice) among female sex workers (FSWs) in Hanoi is common, with 50.6% of FSWs using ice in some areas of Hanoi in 2012. This paper aimed to analyze the role of crystal methamphetamine use in the social relationships of FSWs in Hanoi. Qualitative design was employed; fifty-nine in-depth interviews were conducted with 50 FSWs, 3 sexual partners of FSWs, 4 clients of FSWs and 2 pimps. Participants (aged 18-45 and who reported using ice) were selected using purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was applied using NVIVO 8.0. Findings showed that a majority of sex workers believed that use of ice was considered "stylish" or "fashionable." Ice was seen as a way to empower their social position within relationships and to connect to their complicated social networks, particularly with others FSWs, clients, pimps and regular partners. These relationships could help ensure that FSWs have a social connectedness, money and secure working environments - the essential social needs of FSWs. As a consequence, FSWs face several health risks, especially those resulting from unsafe sex and ice use. Based on these findings, interventions on FSWs who use ice need to take into account their social network and the reasons for ice use within their network.