Childhood and adolescent factors shaping vulnerability to underage entry into sex work: a quantitative hierarchical analysis of female sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya.

Lower education level and childhood homelessness, combined with sexual violence and sexual risk behaviours in childhood, create pathways to underage initiation into sex work. Interventions designed for girls and young women at these pivotal points in their lives could help prevent underage sex work initiation and their associated health, social and economic consequences.