Qualitative Health Research
Volume 27, Issue 10, 2017, Pages 1553-1561

Islamic Influence on HIV Risk and Protection among Central Asian Male Migrant Workers in Kazakhstan (Article)

Shaw S.A.* , McCrimmon T. , Mergenova G. , Sultangaliyeva A. , El-Bassel N.
  • a School of Social Work, Brigham Young University, 2175 JFSB, Provo, UT 84602, United States
  • b Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, NY, United States
  • c Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan
  • d Institute of World Economics and Politics, Almaty, Kazakhstan
  • e Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, NY, United States

Abstract

HIV incidence is increasing in Central Asia, where migrant workers experience risks for acquiring sexually transmitted HIV. As a social and structural factor that may influence perceptions and behavior, we examine how Islam shapes HIV risk and protection. Phenomenological qualitative interviews examine religion and contexts of HIV risk among 48 male Central Asian migrant workers residing in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Men described nonvaginal sex, alcohol use, premarital sex, and extramarital sex as forbidden or frowned upon. Religious networks were unlikely to discuss HIV risks, and some men viewed religious affiliation or practices as protective. Marital practices including neke (religious marriage), polygyny, and bride kidnapping may be linked to risk. Findings suggest adhering to Islamic ideals may be protective for some men, but for others, assumptions of protection may enhance risk. HIV prevention strategies among Central Asian migrants may be strengthened by attention to religious and cultural understandings of risk and protection. © SAGE Publications.

Author Keywords

Men's health qualitative interviews Migrants Religion HIV/AIDS Central Asia

Index Keywords

Religion and Sex HIV Infections sexual behavior Human immunodeficiency virus infection Islam human middle aged Asian continental ancestry group religion qualitative research Humans psychology male risk factor Risk Factors adult migration Transients and Migrants Kazakhstan
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85025439497&doi=10.1177%2f1049732317697101&partnerID=40&md5=a6c04a56af5d7f997b3a56bf0a1af6df
DOI: 10.1177/1049732317697101
ISSN: 10497323
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English