Determinants of Healthcare-Seeking Preferences of Female Sex Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study From the South-Western Region of Bangladesh

Background and Aims: Female sex workers face substantial barriers to accessing healthcare services. We examined factors influencing preference for government versus non‐government healthcare services among female sex workers in Bangladesh.

Methods: Three hundred and eighty‐four female sex workers from the south‐western region of Bangladesh were interviewed in this cross‐sectional survey. Preferences and explanatory variables (demographics, income, abuse history, routine check‐up engagement, etc.) were analyzed using χ² tests and multiple logistic regression (MLR) to identify independent predictors of government‐facility preference.

Results: We recorded that about one‐third (32.1%) of our participants preferred government services. Participants reporting a routine health check‐up had over twice the odds of government‐care preference (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI 1.41–5.24), whereas non‐Muslims (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.07–0.67) and those experiencing abuse (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.16–0.73) were less likely to choose public facilities. Higher incomes decreased the likelihood of choosing government facilities (AOR = 0.23–0.30), while moderate household size (3–4 members; AOR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.11–5.23) and urban residence (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI 0.99–5.87) increased it.

Conclusion: We conclude that engagement with routine services, socioeconomic status, religion, and abuse experiences shaped the healthcare‐seeking preferences for the female sex workers. Tailored interventions, including stigma‐reduction training, outreach to minority groups, and NGO–public partnerships, are needed to improve government‐facility utilization among this marginalized social group in Bangladesh.