Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 17, Issue 1, 2014, Pages 21-28

International Migration from Non-endemic Settings as a Protective Factor for HIV/STI Risk Among Female Sex Workers in Vancouver, Canada (Article)

Goldenberg S.M. , Liu V. , Nguyen P. , Chettiar J. , Shannon K.*
  • a Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, St. Paul’s Hospital, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • b Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, St. Paul’s Hospital, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
  • c Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, St. Paul’s Hospital, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
  • d Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, St. Paul’s Hospital, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
  • e Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, St. Paul’s Hospital, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Abstract

Given heterogeneous evidence regarding the impacts of migration on HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs), we explored factors associated with international migration among FSWs in Vancouver, Canada. We draw on baseline questionnaire and HIV/STI testing data from a community-based cohort, AESHA, from 2010-2012. Logistic regression identified correlates of international migration. Of 650 FSWs, 163 (25.1 %) were international migrants, who primarily worked in formal indoor establishments. HIV/STI prevalence was lower among migrants than Canadian-born women (5.5 vs. 25.9 %). In multivariate analysis, international migration was positively associated with completing high school, supporting dependents, and paying a third party, and negatively associated with HIV, injecting drugs and inconsistent condom use with clients. Although migrants experience lower workplace harms and HIV risk than Canadian-born women, they face concerning levels of violence, police harassment, and HIV/STIs. Research exploring structural and socio-cultural factors shaping risk mitigation and migrants’ access to support remains needed. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Author Keywords

Migrants Sexually transmitted infections HIV Immigration Sex workers

Index Keywords

China HIV Infections demography human protection statistics and numerical data ethnology sex worker Sexually Transmitted Diseases Humans Adolescent female risk factor Risk Factors prevalence adult Protective Factors migration age Age Factors Sex Workers Transients and Migrants British Columbia
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84897353812&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-014-0011-1&partnerID=40&md5=7dbda16e1f82f812f5c118bb371ea2de
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-014-0011-1
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 14
Original Language: English