Contrary to expectation when compared with other migrant mining zones of sub-Saharan Africa, the nation of Guinea has a comparatively low and stable HIV rate. In addition, the regions with the largest gold, diamond, and bauxite mining operations report the lowest HIV rates within the country. This research set out to explain practices and beliefs within gold mining communities near Siguiri, Guinea - the highest-producing gold mining zone in the country - that may contribute to this phenomenon, particularly as they relate to the Abstinence, Be faithful, use a Condom approach to AIDS prevention. Structured interviews on a randomly selected sample of 460 adults and regular visitation to 16 pharmacies and health clinics within the mining zone yielded data showing that abstinence and condom use are minimally practiced for AIDS prevention. Instead, faithfulness to partners was overwhelmingly reported as the method of choice for AIDS avoidance. In addition, this research explored ways in which local conceptions of fidelity differed from those generally understood in other contexts, including engagement in short-term marriages at the gold mining sites. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.

Labor migration HIV/AIDS Islam ABC Gold mining Guinea

HIV Infections sexual behavior Safe Sex Guinea human sexuality middle aged Sexual Partners condom controlled study priority journal mining Human immunodeficiency virus qualitative research marriage Young Adult Humans Adolescent male Emigrants and Immigrants female Risk Factors Sexual Abstinence Gold Article pharmacy infection prevention major clinical study adult structured interview health center acquired immune deficiency syndrome attitude to health