This paper examines if and how temporary migration increases the risk for HIV/STDs in China. Results suggest that temporary migrants had significantly higher prevalence of HIV-risk sexual and drug using behaviours but no significant differences were found between migrants and non-migrants in prevalence of HIV/STDs. Employing logistic regression analysis, we examined three mechanisms - lax social control, social isolation and migrant selectivity - by which the process of migration may lead to behaviour changes that increase migrants' HIV/STD risks. Results indicate that post-migration lax social control was the most significant mediating factor between migration and HIV risk behaviours. Temporary migrants are at high risk of HIV/STDs. Prevention interventions need to pay particular attention to migrants' post-migration lax social control. © 2007 Taylor & Francis.

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China HIV Infections sexual behavior Human immunodeficiency virus infection logistic regression analysis human social isolation risk assessment middle aged priority journal Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence sexually transmitted disease Humans Social Control, Formal Adolescent male social control female Article high risk behavior Risk-Taking infection prevention major clinical study adult migration drug abuse infection risk Emigration and Immigration behavior change