Labour migration has increased the risk of HIV infection among the wives of labour migrants in Nepal. We conducted a matched case-control study to identify the social and behavioural factors for HIV infection among the wives of labour migrants in Nepal. We interviewed 112 wives of labour migrants diagnosed with HIV (cases) and 112 wives of labour migrants testing negative for HIV (controls) and used logistic regression analysis to assess independent factors associated with HIV infection. Literacy status was the only one woman-related social factor associated with HIV infection. Meanwhile literacy status, age when going abroad for the first time and country of migration were the husband-related social factors and alcohol consumption, living alone abroad and having an unpaid partner abroad were the husband-related behavioural factors associated with HIV infection in the wives. Given the husband-related social and behavioural factors are mostly determining the risk of HIV infection in the wives in our study, prevention efforts must incorporate behaviour change approaches targeting specifically to labour migrants and also to their wives. © The Author(s) 2014.

AIDS risk factors Nepal HIV wives of labour migrants Epidemiology labour migration

educational status HIV Infections transmission sexual behavior Alcohol Drinking Human immunodeficiency virus infection drinking behavior alcohol consumption logistic regression analysis Spouses human epidemiology sexuality middle aged Sexual Partners statistics and numerical data controlled study social aspect Logistic Models social support Unsafe Sex interview marriage Young Adult migrant worker reading Humans psychology Adolescent Interviews as Topic male female spouse risk factor Risk Factors Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article high risk behavior Risk-Taking major clinical study adult migration Case-Control Studies statistical model Transients and Migrants Nepal case control study attitude to health behavior change