Cross border migrants: Duration of residence, mobility and susceptibility to HIV infection

Purpose - Migrants may be vulnerable towards HIV infection for many reasons including separation from spouses, lack of family restraint, peer norms, alcohol use, low perceived vulnerability toward HIV infection, limited access to health care and health education, and low levels of education. The objective of this paper is to assess the influence of duration of stay and subsequent moves in Thailand on AIDS knowledge and sexual risk behaviors of migrant workers from Myanmar and Cambodia. Design/methodology/approach - Data are drawn from a survey of 3,374 migrants conducted by the Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University in 2008. Multiple linear and logistic regression were used to assess factors related to AIDS knowledge and risk taking behavior. Findings - The average length of stay in Thailand for these migrants was about five years. Duration of residence in Thailand was related to an increase in AIDS knowledge as well as an increase in condom use with regular partners. Duration of residence was also associated with an increase in visits to unpaid non regular partners and a decrease in visits to paid non regular partners. The number of moves across provinces within Thailand was not related to AIDS knowledge but was related to a decrease in paid and unpaid non regular partners. Research limitations/implications - The research is limited by the cross sectional nature of the survey. Longitudinal surveys of the migrants' experience should be conducted. Practical implications - Duration of residence in Thailand had both positive and negative effects on migrants' vulnerability to HIV infection. A focus on minimizing HIV risk behaviors may be needed throughout their stay. Originality/value - This is the first paper to focus on duration of residence and movement with Thailand on HIV prevention for migrant laborers. The findings are of value to health promotion programs for migrants.