Tropical Medicine and International Health
Volume 9, Issue 8, 2004, Pages 897-903

Migrants' risky sexual behaviours in India and at home in far western Nepal (Article)

Poudel K.C. , Jimba M.* , Okumora J. , Joshi A.B. , Wakai S.
  • a Dept. of Intl. Community Health, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, Dept. of Intl. Community Health, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Tokyo, Japan
  • b Dept. of Intl. Community Health, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, Dept. of Intl. Community Health, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Tokyo, Japan
  • c Dept. of Health Policy and Planning, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, Dept. of Health Policy and Planning, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, 113-0033, Tokyo, Japan
  • d Dept. of Comm. Med. and Fam. Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • e Dept. of Intl. Community Health, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, Dept. of Intl. Community Health, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Tokyo, Japan

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine Nepali migrants' vulnerability to HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their possible role in causing the epidemic in far western Nepal. METHODS: From August to October 2000, we conducted six focus group discussions among 53 returned migrants from India, mainly from Mumbai. Data were analysed by interpretative thematic analysis. RESULTS: Migrants commonly had multiple sexual encounters, changed partners, and used condoms infrequently both in India and at home. Several factors influenced them to practice high-risk sexual behaviours. In India, these included peer norms and pressures, cheaper sex, lack of family restraint, drinking alcohol, and low perceived vulnerability to HIV/STIs. In Nepal, these factors included the migrants' new status, frequent local festivals, and low perceived vulnerability to HIV/STIs. Participants displayed substantial deficits in their knowledge of HIV/STIs. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed Nepali migrants' high-risk sexual behaviours both abroad and at home. Understanding these realities will assist in the development of culturally appropriate HIV/STI interventions necessary to halt the spread of HIV/STIs in Nepal.

Author Keywords

Migration Sexual behaviours Nepal Sexually transmitted infection HIV/AIDS

Index Keywords

vulnerable population Eurasia HIV Infections sexual behavior Human immunodeficiency virus infection India drinking behavior Maharashtra Safe Sex human middle aged Asia condom Condoms Human immunodeficiency virus sexually transmitted disease Sexually Transmitted Diseases South Asia Humans Adolescent male social problem female Risk Factors Mumbai Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice family counseling Article disease transmission Risk-Taking adult migration Transients and Migrants Nepal Focus Groups
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-4344568149&doi=10.1111%2fj.1365-3156.2004.01276.x&partnerID=40&md5=aa5c425e1d7aa6162739cfe46bea06e5
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2004.01276.x
ISSN: 13602276
Cited by: 51
Original Language: English