Male Labor Migrants in Russia: HIV Risk Behavior Levels, Contextual Factors, and Prevention Needs

Abstract

Background Although the dire life circumstances of labor migrants working in Russia are well-known, their HIV risk vulnerability and prevention needs are understudied. Low socioeconomic status, lack of access to services, separation from family, and limited risk awareness all contribute to migrants’ HIV vulnerability. Methods Male labor migrants in St. Petersburg (n=499) were administered assessments of their sexual behavior practices, substance use, and psychosocial characteristics related to risk and well-being. Results Thirty percent of migrants reported multiple female partners in the past 3 months. Condom use was low, ranging from 35% with permanent to 52% with casual partners. Central Asian migrants had very low AIDS knowledge, low levels of substance use, moderate sexual risk, high depression, and poor social supports. Eastern European migrants had higher AIDS knowledge, alcohol and drug use, and sexual risk. Discussion Improved HIV prevention efforts are needed to reduce the risk vulnerability of migrants who relocate to high disease prevalence areas.

HIV Prevalence and Risk Behaviours Among Foreign Migrant Women Residing in Cape Town, South Africa

“…Forced migrants fleeing disaster and conflict are more susceptible to HIV through increased exposure to sexual violence and limited access to health services and condoms [4, 5]. Internal migrants experience disruptions in family structure and increased risk-taking behavior, which places these individuals at higher risk for HIV transmission [6–8]. Transnational economic migrants may be a particularly vulnerable group as they additionally face issues with language skills, legal documentation, and xenophobic attitudes [9, 10].…”

Condom use and intimacy among Tajik male migrants and their regular female partners in Moscow

“…Currently, Russia has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the world, with the HIV infection rate increasing 7% in 2013, with an average infection rate of 35.7 cases per 100,000 people (Ria Novosti, 2013). Studies show that labour migrants to Russia may be at risk for HIV infection due to their risky sexual behaviour including unprotected sex with sex workers (Amirkhanian et al 2011; Weine, Bahromov, and Mirzoev 2008). Tajik migrants who become infected in Russia may act as a bridge for HIV transmission between Russia and Tajikistan, infecting their wives when they return home (Golobof et al 2011; Kramer et al 2008; WHO 2008).…”

Review of HIV vulnerability and condom use in central and eastern Europe

“…67 In a Russian study of labor migrants from former Soviet republics of Central Asia and Eastern Europe, one-third reported multiple sex partners in the past three months. 68 Condom use rates were as low as 52% with casual—and 35% with permanent—sexual partners. Although limited scope of research does not allow one to identify the extent of representativeness of these findings, they indicate that labor migrants should be reached by STD/HIV intervention programs.…”

“…Migrants’ risk is often related to their prolonged stays apart from their spouses and engaging in sex with casual partners, often with commercial sex workers. 67,68 Croatian migrants—seafarers and construction workers—reported multiple sex partners in the past year, and 45% of migrants said that their last intercourse with casual partners was unprotected. 67 In a Russian study of labor migrants from former Soviet republics of Central Asia and Eastern Europe, one-third reported multiple sex partners in the past three months.…”