Attitudes and behaviors of female sex workers toward different sexual demands

Background Social and cultural values influence sexual demands, which may result in differences in the types of sexual demands directed toward female sex workers (FSWs) and women with regular partners (RPs). Understanding these differences and women’s responses to them is important for addressing sexual health and violence-related issues. This study was planned to compare the sexual demands experienced by FSWs and RPs and their responses to these demands. Methods A comparative-descriptive design was employed. The research included 36 FSWs and 56 RPs. Data were collected online using a snowball sampling method and a structured data collection form that included sociodemographic characteristics, experiences with sexual demands, and attitudes toward sexual violence. Descriptive statistics and comparative analyses (p < 0.05) were performed. Results FSWs were younger at the time of the study and at first sexual experience, had higher monthly incomes, were more frequently single, unemployed, and living alone compared to RPs. RPs, however, had more pregnancy experiences and living children. Smoking, alcohol, and substance use were significantly higher among FSWs (p < 0.05). FSWs experienced and accepted different sexual demands at a higher rate than RPs. Conclusions The findings suggest that FSWs are exposed to a broader range of sexual demands and risk factors compared to RPs. These results highlight the need for tailored sexual health interventions and policies to address the vulnerabilities and specific needs of both groups.