Risk Assessment of Noncommunicable Diseases among Commercial Sex Workers of a Metropolitan City of India

In the backdrop of the huge and increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) and unaddressed needs among the marginalized population, the study was conducted for risk assessment of NCD among commercial sex workers (CSWs) and to find out the detrimental effects of its associates.

A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted for 6 months (July–December 2021) among 440 Kolkata‑based CSWs, females and males, and intermediaries attending clinics run by the nongovernment organization providing outpatient department‑based services inside the area. With systematic random sampling, every 3rd patient was interviewed with pretested questionnaire comprising sociodemographics, Community‑Based Assessment Checklist for risk assessment of NCDs, and anthropometric measurement was done. The proportion was done for prevalence estimation, with SPSS Amos 26.0, structural equation modeling was done for testing the relation between high Community‑Based Assessment Checklist score and risk factors.

Majority 411 (93.4%) of the study participants were female sex workers and 14 were men having sex with men (MSMs). Age of the female participants was 39.08 ± 5.02 years. More than two‑third are smokers, and more than one‑third are alcoholics on regular basis. For NCDs, a score ≥4 was found among 302 (68.6%) of participants, and a significant association (P < 0.05) was found with tobacco use, alcohol consumption, higher body mass index, and physical inactivity. Structural equation also shows a positive relationship with NCD risk factors.

CSWs in Kolkata have a high prevalence of NCD risk with a significant association of lifestyle factors. More intensive screening and regular treatment are needed to lower premature mortality and morbidity among them.