Addressing depression and substance use among female sex workers in Kuala Lumpur: implications for trauma-informed social work interventions

This study examines depression and substance use among female sex workers in Kuala Lumpur to inform social work interventions. Data from 126 female sex workers were collected using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test. Findings revealed a high prevalence of depression (73.0%) and substance use, particularly tobacco, amphetamines, and opioids. Depression was significantly associated with alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, and opioid use ( P ≤ 0.05). The study provides empirical evidence to guide trauma-informed, harm-reduction interventions within social work practice, addressing a critical gap in Malaysian social care and highlighting the profession’s role in inclusive, gender-sensitive responses.