STD Prevalence Study Among Women in Migrant Communities of Kailali District, Nepal 2001

Abstract

Background to Problem/Issue: Though there is little reliable data, it is estimated that several hundred thousand Nepali men migrate to India for employment yearly. In the context of this study, we are defining migrants as individuals who leave their country of origin, Nepal, voluntarily, and have the intention to return to Nepal. These migrant workers travel to all parts of India, particularly to the large cities and towns, and usually without their regular partners. They live there for periods ranging from 3-6 months to several years at a stretch before returning home. While men from all over Nepal migrate to India for work, this is particularly so in the districts of the Mid and Far West Development Regions of Nepal. There is anecdotal evidence that many HIV infections occur in India and that women having sexual contacts with men who have been in India have a higher risk of being infected by HIV or contracting other STDs than other women do, yet no epidemiological data currently exists for this population. This research project will focus on the wives of men who migrate to India for work from Kailali District. Kailali is an ethnically diverse part of the country, with large populations of both Hindus and Muslims. This study will be conducted in a rural area, approximately 30 kilometers from the nearest town.