HIV/STD prevalence and risk factors among migrant and non-migrant males of Kailali district in Far-Western Nepal

Abstract

Executive Summary: This study was carried out to determine HIV/STI prevalence rates among both migrant and non-migrant males from two VDCs of Kailali district in far-western Nepal. It was further set up to measure the extent of relationship betweenthe rates and risk behaviors and to ascertain the extent of linkage between migration and HIV/STI transmission in the area. Data for this study was collected froma total of 610 males who were from800 randomly selected households. From all respondents oral informed consent was taken before conducting individual interviews ina private setting. The pathological tests of the specimens were carried out in the central laboratories of SACTS Kathmandu and Auroprobe New Delhi. This samplerepresents a heterogeneous group of peopleof the area in terms of their migratory status, socio-demographic characteristics and behaviors. Half of themwere the international migrants who had migrated outsideNepal, specifically Uttaranchal and Maharastra of India, while the other halfwere non-migrants who had no international migratory exposure but moved to other districts within the country for employment and/or for study purposes. Nearly half of the total participants were in a highly productive and reproductive age group (18-25 Years). However, the proportion of participants in this age group was relatively lower for international migrants (42%) than for non-migrants (54%). The mean number of children born tothemwas nearly three, while the contraceptive prevalence rate was over 50percent. The method-specific use rate shows that condoms were on top, followed by sterilization and injections. The proportions having formal educational attainment was much higher for internationalmigrants (77%) than for non-migrants (69%).Tharu (42%), Chhetri/Thakuri (27%) and Brahmin (20%) were the three major ethnic groups in the sample.Alcohol use was a common habit among a large number of study participants. But as for drug use, they were using only unprocessed herbal drugs like Ganja, Bhang, Chares and Dhaturo. More than 12% of the total participants had had sexual contact with sex workers. The involvement in this behavior was relatively higher for international migrants (20%) compared to their non-migrant counterparts (4%). Similarly, as for condo muse during intercourse with sex workers, its userate was also higher for international migrants. During international migration the participants visited sex workers mostly with their friends, while during non-migratory periods they usually visited the malone.