Mumbai disease in far western Nepal: HIV infection and syphilis among male migrant-returnees and non-migrants.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and syphilis, and to assess the behavioural risk factors for these infections among migrant-returnees and non-migrants in far western Nepal.


METHODS
In April 2001, we recruited 97 male migrant-returnees and 40 non-migrants from five rural villages in Doti district where migration to Mumbai is common. For data collection, we conducted a serological examination for HIV and syphilis, and a perception and behaviour survey on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.


RESULTS
We found that 11 of 137 men (8%) were positive for HIV infection and 30 men (22%) for syphilis. The respondents, especially the migrant-returnees from Mumbai, were engaging in risky behaviours such as pre- or extramarital sex, and sex with multiple partners, including sex workers.


CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed high HIV and syphilis prevalence among the male migrant-returnees and non-migrants in far western Nepal where migration to Mumbai is common. The prevalent behaviours, particularly among the migrant-returnees, imply urgent needs of the behavioural modification programme in this area to prevent the spread of HIV infection to general population.
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009390:Nepal / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D021841:Safe Sex / Q000523:psychology; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology*