Social network, norms and other HIV-related determinants among migrant workers in China

Background: The instability of social networks and other post-migration psychosocial conditions may exacerbate migrant workers' vulnerability in the potential HIV epidemic in China. This study aims to exam HIV-related determinants among migrant workers in China, and serve a basis for future behavioral intervention and policy development.

Methods: Eight hundred migrant workers were recruited from 4 factories in a big city in China. Survey questions included HIV-related attitudes, knowledge and behaviors. Egocentric network analysis was used to look at the density of social network and perceived norms about safe sex among migrant workers.

Results: There were high prevalence of risky behaviors, and lack of perceived relevance and knowledge about HIV prevention. Results showed relative strong social ties among these migrant workers, majority of them, however, did not have any interpersonal communication on HIV-related topics, and perceived norms about safe sex practice were low. The interaction between social network density and norms about safe sex were significantly associated with individual's safe sex behaviors.

Conclusions: Immediate efforts are needed to increase HIV/AIDS awareness and safe sexual practices among migrant workers in China. Relevant policy and intervention programs should consider factors like social norms and network density among this population. Altering social norms would be difficult but an effective way to bring self-sustaining population level behavior change.