Objectives: To assess sexual risk behaviour and prevalence of treatable sexually transmitted infections (STI) in migrant male workers in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: Behavioural interviews were conducted on a representative sample of 590 migrant men aged 20-49 years. Biological samples were collected from a subsample of 190 and tested for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. Results: Over half (55%) of single men were sexually experienced and 36% of married men reported premarital sex. The median ages at first intercourse and first marriage were 21 years and 28 years, respectively. In the total sample (including virgins), 13% reported any female non-marital partner in the past 12 months, 7% contact with a female sex worker, and 2% sex with a man. Only 10% reported using a condom during most recent contact with a sex worker. STI symptoms in the past 3 months were reported by 8% of men. Laboratory tests disclosed that STI prevalence was 3.2%. Conclusions: If and when HIV infection spreads among sex workers in Lahore, the reported behaviour of migrant men suggests that they may act as a conduit for further transmission to the general population. Condom promotion focused on the sex trade is likely to be the most effective way of reducing this risk.

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Pakistan HIV Infections sexual behavior Human immunodeficiency virus infection married man human middle aged Sexual Partners condom Condoms controlled study priority journal Unsafe Sex sexually transmitted disease interview gonorrhea Humans Health Priorities male female risk factor Syphilis prevalence Article disease control Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial major clinical study adult migration sexual intercourse Transients and Migrants chlamydiasis