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HIV-related sexual behaviour among migrants and non-migrants in a rural area of China: role of rural-to-urban migration.

Hu Z, Liu H, Li X, Stanton B, Chen X

Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.

OBJECTIVE: To compare human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related sexual risks between temporary rural-to-urban migrants and non-migrants, and to explore the role of migration in HIV transmission in a rural area of China. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 605 (302.5 couples, one male missing) marriage licence applicants. METHODS: A two-part anonymous questionnaire was used. The first part included non-sensitive questions including demographics and HIV knowledge. Sensitive questions related to sexual behaviours were administered in the second part of the questionnaire using a tape recorder, earphones and an answer sheet. RESULTS: Sixty-six percent (399/605) of the study subjects had migrated to a city for a temporary job. The proportions of migrants who had premarital sex (62%, 247/399) and multiple sexual partners (12%, 47/399) were significantly higher than those of non-migrants (52 and 6%, respectively). Among those who had multiple sexual partners, only 9% (4/47) of migrants and 8% (1/12) of non-migrants reported often or always using condoms with sexual partners other than their spouse. A low level of knowledge regarding HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was observed in both groups. Very few migrants (15%, 61/399) and non-migrants (10%, 20/206) perceived themselves to be at risk of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: As both migrants and non-migrants are at risk of HIV infection, intervention programmes targeting reduction of HIV sexual risk behaviour should cover both groups in rural areas of China.

Published 17 March 2006 in Public Health, 120(4): 339-45.
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