Sexual Risk-Behaviors for HIV Infections among Young Cross-Border Migrant Workers Living in Urban Chiang Mai, Thailand

Abstract

Background: The number of cross-border migrant workers in Thailand has increased continuously. Chiang Mai City is one of the most urbanized metropolitan areas outside Bangkok, and its economic growth requires a high number of laborers. This demand has attracted many young migrant workers from neighboring countries who look for employment in this urban area. With the way of life and their sexual behavior in a new city, these young people are at risk for HIV infections.

Methods: This study was conducted in order to quantify the sexual risk behaviors of young cross-border migrants in Chiang Mai and to determine potential interventions for them. A structured interview questionnaire was used to collect the data. The survey data were from 442 cross- border migrant workers (220 males and 222 females), aged 15-24 years, and living in urban Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. The participants were drawn from 19 different sites to cover all 16 sub-districts in urban area where young migrant workers were scattered around the city.

Results: The data showed that 57.0% had had sexual intercourse (65.0% among males and 49.1% among females). Among the sexually active group, average ages of sexual debut were 18.6 among males and 17.7 among females. Over half of males had had more than one partner, 63.5% never used or had a partner use condoms (56.6% among males and 72.5% among females). Among those who reported ever using condom, the majority (68.5%) used them inconsistently.

Conclusion: A significant proportion of respondents engaged in behaviors that put them at high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Findings can help to design and implement appropriate HIV prevention programs/policy for cross-border migrant workers given the future free movement of labor under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community.