Assessing risk behaviors for HIV/AIDS among migrant populations

Introduction Poverty and lack of employment opportunities drive young men to search for a living in big cities. Lack of kin, money, and an unknown cultural environment increase the vulnerability of these men into behaviours which may result in acquiring addictions, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS. Objective Identify and assess the sociodemographic factors, influence of social networking, addictions and risk behaviours, knowledge about HIV/AIDS/STIs and treatment seeking behaviours among migrant population. Methodology Study is conducted in industrial area of east Delhi on 401 migrants mostly from the surrounding states of northern India using a questionnaire and focus group discussion. Systematic random sampling was done to collect data on vairous social, economic and behavioral aspects . Results 56% of the respondents used alcohol and while 60% chewed tobacco – these habits were reported to have picked from friends and peers in New Delhi. 14% visited video parlour and 27% watched pornography. Commercial Sex Workers (CSW) were visited by 21% but 27%had multiple sex partners between 2--5. Sex for money and gambling were other recreational activities. 50% reported having knowledge about HIV/AIDS and 25% reported condom use though only 3% had been counselled for HIV/AIDS. 53% received treatment from private sector while 25% utilised government facilities. Conclusion Lack of knowledge reagarding HIV/AIDS, peer pressure, no family support, inadequate social life precipitates risk taking behaviours among migrant population. Strengthing behavioral change communication strategies has to be commensurate with services for healthy living of migrants which will also promote safe sexual behavior.