Background:
Studies of recent Hispanic immigrants report high rates of STDs and risky sexual behavior among men employed as migrant workers. Less is known about migrant women workers' sexual risk behaviors and access to STD care.


Objective:
To assess the sociocultural experiences of Hispanic women vendors employed in the Los Angeles Garment District and how the immigrant experience impacts sexual risk behaviors including condom use and utilization of STD health services.

Method:
Ethnographic interviews and participant observation were conducted among 21 Hispanic vendors (“vendedoras”) by community workers trained in ethnographic techniques. Qualitative data were analyzed using NVIVO software for qualitative data to determine recurrent themes voiced by participants.

Result:
Women were between 19 and 50 years old and had been in the US an average of 9.1 years. The majority of women came from Mexico and many discussed a need for health insurance. The most common theme was a persistent lack of control over one's life and body which was discussed in five areas related to sexual decision-making: 1) social institutions (e.g., constraints of religion and marriage); 2) immigrant status; 3) employers; 4) unsupportive family members and 5) abusive sexual partners. Women often reported sexual harassment and rape by employers, physically abusive relationships, and regular partners who had multiple sex partners and refused to use condoms. Some women reported trading sex for help crossing the border from “Coyotes” who later blackmailed them for continued sex after arriving in the United States.


Conclusion:
Qualitative research revealed significant structural and sociocultural barriers that negatively influenced sexual decision-making and risk behaviors.

Implications:
Public health practitioners need to tailor risk reduction strategies to the challenges faced by women vendors. Health outreach at the workplace is important for engaging discussion about sexual risks and increasing access to STD services.