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


METHODS
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.
Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
Z
Z
Hu
H
H
Liu
X
X
Li
B
B
Stanton
X
X
Chen
D000328:Adult; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000523:psychology*; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*