Sexual behavior and vulnerability to HIV infection among seasonal migrant laborers in Metema district, northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundPoor socio-economic conditions fuel seasonal migration of adult males from Northwestern Ethiopia, but behavioral and other migration-related changes increase their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. This study examined risky sexual behaviors and associated factors that may lead to increased HIV infection vulnerability among migrant laborers in Metema District, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 8–18, 2013 at farms with migrant laborers. We enrolled 756 participants through multistage random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using EPI Info7; bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS.Results582 (77%) migrant workers had sexual intercourse in their lifetime. 68% (397/582) reported non-marital sexual intercourse in the preceding six months. Of these, 74% reported sexual intercourse with commercial sex workers, 49% reported having transactional sex, 49% reported unprotected sexual intercourse with CSWs, 69% reported multiple sexual partners in the preceding six months (mean = 2.9 ± 0.7). Being aged between 20–29 (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.16, 3.99) and 30 years or older (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.71), receipt of HIV prevention information in the preceding six months (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.63), and staying longer on the farm (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.46, 5.14) were factors significantly associated with condom use at last non-marital sexual intercourse. Respondents aged ≤19, not receiving HIV information in the preceding six months, or staying on the farm for ≤2 months were less likely to have used condoms at their last non-marital sexual intercourse. Moreover, having daily income above USD 5.00 (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.14, 4.41), paying for most recent sexual intercourse (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.36, 3.61), and drinking alcohol during last sexual intercourse (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.83) were significantly associated with having multiple (≥2) sexual partners during the preceding six months.ConclusionsSeasonal laborers commonly exhibit risky sexual behaviors likely to increase their vulnerability to HIV infection. Unprotected and multiple sex partners in these populations pose transmission risks to seasonal laborers and onward to their wives and future sexual partners. The findings support the need for targeted HIV prevention campaigns designed for seasonal workers and their sexual partners.

Spatial clustering and socio-demographic determinants of HIV infection in Ethiopia, 2015–2017

“…Districts with a higher proportion of migrants were statistically at greater risk for HIV infection. This finding could be explained in part by risky sexual behaviours, such as multiple sexual partners or low and inconsistent condom use, likely to increase vulnerability to HIV infection (Federal and Prevention, 2007;Tiruneh et al, 2015). Seasonal migration of labour in the study area, largely undertaken by younger individuals (mean age 28.4 years), also contributes to HIV transmission.…”

Mobility among youth in Rakai, Uganda: Trends, characteristics, and associations with behavioural risk factors for HIV

“…These patterns delineate mobile youth in Rakai as a group at especially high risk of HIV. Previous research has demonstrated elevated HIV risk and risk behaviours among mobile populations, though largely among adults (Anglewicz, 2012; Bärnighausen et al, 2007; Brockerhoff & Biddlecom, 1999; Goldenberg et al, 2012; Kwena, Camlin, Shisanya, Mwanzo, & Bukusi, 2013; Tiruneh, Wasie, & Gonzalez, 2015; Zuma et al, 2003). Female migrants have been described as a particularly vulnerable group (Brockerhoff & Biddlecom, 1999; Camlin et al, 2014; Temin et al, 2013).…”

“…For instance, male and female in-migrants were more likely to report inconsistent condom use than non-migrants, but the opposite relationship was seen between travelers and non-travelers. Previous research has found high rates of inconsistent condom use among migrants in Africa (Brummer, 2002; Tiruneh et al, 2015) yet concurrently, migrant populations have been described as more knowledgeable about and perceptive of HIV risk than non-migrants (Brockerhoff & Biddlecom, 1999). It is possible that travelers in our study may have been more highly exposed to HIV prevention messaging and behaviours in their home communities, compared to migrants, and perceived themselves at high risk, which may influence condom use.…”

Psychosocial and Behavioural Correlates of HIV Risk Perception among Workers of Mukete Estates Limited, Meme Division, Southwest Region of Cameroon

“…This sector is vulnerable to HIV due to its high dependence on human labour. Protracted morbidity and mortality are costing the industry financially, economically, and socially (including loss of skilled and experienced labour) [2]. The sector's vulnerability to the epidemic thus stems largely from vulnerabilities faced by workers employed in commercial agriculture.…”

“…Research has shown that vulnerability of workers in commercial agriculture is rooted in the nature of work, which tends to be casual employment and largely based on migrant labour. In addition, poor living and working conditions on farms, coupled with limited access to health services and information about HIV increase vulnerability [2][3][4][5]. For agroestates to remain viable businesses, it is necessary and urgent to approach the epidemic with the seriousness it deserves.…”