Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 14, Issue 1, 2012, Pages 107-115

Circular migration by Mexican female sex workers who are injection drug users: Implications for HIV in Mexican sending communities (Article)

Ojeda V.D.* , Burgos J.L. , Hiller S.P. , Lozada R. , Rangel G. , Vera A. , Artamonova I. , Magis-Rodriguez C.
  • a Department of Medicine, UCSD School of Medicine, University of California, 10111 N. Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, CA 92093, United States
  • b Department of Medicine, UCSD School of Medicine, University of California, 10111 N. Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, CA 92093, United States
  • c Department of Medicine, UCSD School of Medicine, University of California, 10111 N. Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, CA 92093, United States
  • d Patronato Pro-COMUSIDA, Ave. Baja California 7580, Zona Norte, Tijuana, Mexico
  • e El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Carretera Escénica Tijuana, Ensenada, Km. 18.5, San Antonio del Mar, Tijuana, Mexico, Secretaría de Salud de México, Homero 213 Piso 19, Col. Chapultepec Morales, Miguel Hidalgo, 11570 Mexico, DF, Mexico
  • f Department of Medicine, UCSD School of Medicine, University of California, 10111 N. Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, CA 92093, United States
  • g Department of Medicine, UCSD School of Medicine, University of California, 10111 N. Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, CA 92093, United States
  • h Programa de VIH/SIDA de la Ciudad de México, Centro de Investigaciones en Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, Mexico City, Mexico

Abstract

Circular migration and injection drug use increase the risk of HIV transmission in sending communities. We describe female sex workers who are injection drug users' (FSW-IDUs) circular migration and drug use behaviors. Between 2008-2010, 258 migrant FSW-IDUs residing in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico responded to questionnaires. 24% of FSW-IDUs were circular migrants. HIV prevalence was 3.2% in circular migrants and 6.1% in non-circular migrants; 50% of circular and 75% of non-circular migrants were unaware of their HIV infection. Among circular migrants, 44% (n = 27) consumed illicit drugs in their birthplace; 74% of these (n = 20) injected drugs and one-half of injectors shared injection equipment in their birthplace. Women reporting active social relationships were significantly more likely to return home. Circular migrant FSW-IDUs exhibit multiple HIV risks and opportunities for bridging populations. Regular HIV testing and treatment and access to substance use services is critical for FSW-IDUs and their sexual/ drug-using contacts. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011.

Author Keywords

Migration HIV Drug use Mexico Sex workers

Index Keywords

human female Emigration and Immigration Sex Workers HIV Infections substance abuse Humans questionnaire Human immunodeficiency virus infection prostitution Mexico ethnology Article Substance Abuse, Intravenous Questionnaires adult migration
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84860570552&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-011-9512-3&partnerID=40&md5=7163fc9789404eb43b6d5871db65793d
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-011-9512-3
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 6
Original Language: English