Describe the impact of sex and labor trafficking on women’s-health, and include physical, social and psychological impacts.

“Sex trafficking is one of the fastest growing global criminal enterprises, with reported cases in 115 countries” (Allan, C., et al., 2023, Pg.175). The physical and mental health effects of human trafficking are extremely serious. These effects can cause a loss of basic human rights, loss of one’s childhood, disruption in families, and severe mental health consequences. A few mental health consequences include anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance abuse. Unfortunately, some victims are more affected than others.

• What diseases are managed in this population?

Within the sex trafficking population many suffer from an array of sexually transmitted diseases. Common managed diseases in this population include HIV/AIDs, pelvic pain, urinary issues, pregnancy that results from rape or prostitution, rectal trauma, multiple abortions, and infertility unfortunately from chronic untreated sexually transmitted infections. Particularly in this population young females are mostly affected.

How does the law in Florida affect Nurse Practitioner practice regarding human trafficking?

• “It was found that human trafficking education is required by some states like Michigan, Florida, and Texas to maintain licensing for nurses, nurse practitioners, and social workers” (McAmis, N. E., et al., 2022, Pg. 9). The current laws in Florida are highly focused on preventing sex trafficking, prosecuting traffickers, and supporting victims. According to the Florida Board of Medicine, Florida passed Human Trafficking, Chapter 2019-152, Laws of Florida. This law establishes new requirements within facilities and clinics including signs and CE/CME. The benefits of these newly placed requirements can aid Nurse Practitioners in practice better recognize the signs of sex trafficking and help to quickly support these victims as needed.

Discuss how the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) might implement routine screening for human trafficking in the primary care setting.

The Advanced Practice Nurse should implement a routine screening for each patient that is seen. Before physically assessing a patient, it is important to scan the patient while interviewing and gathering a detailed history. Some indications that a person may be a victim of human trafficking include appearing malnourished. Showing signs of physical injuries and abuse. Avoiding eye contact, social interaction, and authority figures/law enforcement. Also, meeting with the patient should be in private and they should not be rushed or feel rushed. For example, routine screenings should implement questions such as:

• What are your living and working conditions?

Where do you sleep? Where do you eat?

How many people do you live with?

• Are you being forced to do anything you do not want to do?

Are you being denied medical care?

Do you feel safe?

• Do you need help and support?
• etc.
• In addition, Nurse Practitioners should be able to make their patients feel they are in a safe environment; this way patients can feel comfortable discussing their feelings and concerns without feeling judged. It is crucial to build trust with all patients, trusting patients are more likely to share their concerns.
• Reference:
• Allan, C., Winters, G. M., & Jeglic, E. L. (2023). Current Trends in Sex Trafficking Research. Current psychiatry reports, 25(5), 175–182. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-023-01419-7
• McAmis, N. E., Mirabella, A. C., McCarthy, E. M., Cama, C. A., Fogarasi, M. C., Thomas, L. A., Feinn, R. S., & Rivera-Godreau, I. (2022). Assessing healthcare provider knowledge of human trafficking. PloS one, 17(3), e0264338. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0264338