The term "sex trade" can be used to describe a variety of individuals who have different levels of contact with clients. Workers in the sex trade can include people working in exotic dancing or adult film, massage parlour workers, escorts, S/M dominants and submissives, out-call and in-call (indoor) workers, and street-level workers. With these variations in client contact come varying risks for HIV.

Canadian studies indicate that sex trade workers use condoms more consistently than other populations. However, sex trade workers are at increased risk for HIV when they have unprotected sex for higher fees than would be paid for sex with a condom. Factors which increase the likelihood of a sex trade worker following this practice are inexperience on the streets, threats of violence, economic need and drug use.

For more information on HIV/AIDS and sex trade workers, check out our Briefing Documents.