Grant: Doctoral Research Award -PA: Research in First Nations, Métis &/or Inuit Health

In Canada, Aboriginal individuals represent 4.3% of the total Canadian population, yet Aboriginal persons account for 8.9% of the prevalent HIV infections. Aboriginal women are greatly over-represented in the Canadian sex industry and face serious sexual health inequities (e.g. higher incidence and prevalence of HIV, compared to non-Aboriginal sex workers). To enhance sexual health promotion and prevention efforts against HIV, more culturally-tailored health services are needed for Aboriginal female sex workers (AFSWs), especially among those who migrate to Vancouver in search for better social and financial opportunities. The overall aim of this study is to assess access to culturally safe sexual health care of AFSWs, factors that enhance sexual health resilience or vulnerability, and how these may be altered by internal migration between Aboriginal communities and Vancouver, Canada. The main objectives of the study are to 1) investigate the association between internal migration from Aboriginal communities (e.g. First Nations reserves) and sexual health (i.e. both risks and protective factors) among AFSWs; 2) evaluate the relationship between internal migration and access to Aboriginal-tailored sexual health services for AFSWs over time; 3) describe the ways in which internal migration and other structural determinants influence health-related protective experiences, vulnerabilities, and access to care for Aboriginal AFSWs; 4) employ a resiliency-based approach to identify opportunities for culturally safe sexual health promotion and care for AFSWs. By conducting research in close partnership with AFSWs and community partners, this study seeks to implement a resiliency-based approach to inform culturally safe sexual health services for Aboriginal women in the Canadian sex industry.