Culture, Health and Sexuality
Volume 4, Issue 4, 2002, Pages 459-473

Sexual behaviour and vulnerability of migrant workers for HIV infection (Article)

Wolffers I.* , Fernandez I. , Verghis S. , Vink M.
  • a Department Health Care and Culture, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • b Department Health Care and Culture, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • c Department Health Care and Culture, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • d Department Health Care and Culture, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

This paper presents findings from qualitative research carried out by the CARAM Southeast Asia Research Network in the period 1997-1999. In several countries in Asia, interviews and focus group discussions were held with migrant workers about their working conditions, access to health care, and factors affecting vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. Factors that have an impact on migrants' sexual behaviour include the country of destination and the availability of a commercial sex sector. Cultural differences with respect to sexual behaviour are also important. As social control in migrant communities is often limited, sexual relationships that are prohibited at home are often possible abroad. Besides continuing to belong to their home communities, migrants gradually adapt to their new communities abroad. In so doing, they adopt a so-called 'migrant identity' which can lead to a denial of certain (sexual) behaviours. This can make them difficult to reach by means of conventional HIV/AIDS prevention approaches.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

clinical research sexual behavior Human immunodeficiency virus infection human community work controlled study priority journal Human immunodeficiency virus sexually transmitted disease heterosexuality interview migrant worker homosexuality social control male Southeast Asia female cultural factor Article health care infection prevention sexual harassment migration acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0036809562&doi=10.1080%2f13691050110143356&partnerID=40&md5=839dffab15d29b87a827c0ae804122d4
DOI: 10.1080/13691050110143356
ISSN: 13691058
Cited by: 69
Original Language: English