HIV/STD Prevalence and Risk Factors Among Migrant and Non-Migrant Males of Kailali District in Far-Western Nepal Volume - I

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 between the 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 from a total of 610 males who were from 800 randomly selected households. From all respondents oral informed consent was taken before conducting individual interviews in a private setting. The pathological tests of the specimens were carried out in the central laboratories of SACTS Kathmandu and Auroprobe New Delhi.

This sample represents a heterogeneous group of people of the area in terms of their migratory status, socio-demographic characteristics and behaviors. Half of them were the international migrants who had migrated outside Nepal, specifically Uttaranchal and Maharastra of India, while the other half were non-migrants who had no international migratory exposure but moved to other districts within the country for employment and/or for study purposes.