Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance Survey among Wives of Migrants in Four Districts of Far-Western Nepal

Abstract

This report presents the findings from the second round of the Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance Survey (IBBS) among the wives of migrant laborers in Achham, Doti, Kanchanpur, and Kailali districts of Far-West Nepal. This survey collected data from 600 spouses of those migrant laborers who temporarily migrate or have migrated to India to work. The survey measured the prevalence of HIV among the study population. It also looked at multiple factors associated with risks for HIV infection; including condom use; sexual behavior; knowledge of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs); STI treatment history; exposure to HIV/AIDS awareness messages and programs; and alcohol/drug use habits. The survey was conducted with financial and technical support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Nepal and FHI Nepal. While New ERA carried out the research and the clinical portions of the study, Intrepid Nepal collected the blood samples and carried out HIV testing. National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) performed external quality assurance (EQA) test for HIV.