An illustrative comparison of parameters describing female sex work characteristics based on aggregation of individual level variables and structural patterns
| Domain | Aggregation of individual characteristics | Structural patterns |
| Demography | Average age and age distribution | Synchrony of age cohorts |
| Psychosocial characteristics | Average knowledge and attitudes about risk reduction | Social cohesion and norms regarding risk reduction |
| Sex work practice | Relative size of FSW population | Size of FSW clusters and density |
| Sexual risk behaviours | Average number of clients | Distribution of clients between sex workers |
FSW, female sex worker.