Characterizing Unsafe Sexual Behavior among Factory Workers in the Context of Rapid Industrialization in Northern Vietnam

Abstract

Industrial workers or factory workers, especially migrant workers, have been found to be vulnerable populations at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, there has been a gap in literature regarding health behaviors of migrant factory workers. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 230 factory workers in Hanoi and Bac Ninh cities in Northern Vietnam from July to September 2018 to identify sexual risk practices and related factors among migrant and nonmigrant factory workers. Information collected regarding sexual behavior included the number of sexual partners in the previous 12 months and whether they used condoms in their last sexual intercourse. Two-thirds of participants reported having no sexual activity in the last 12 months, and there was a low percentage of participants using condoms in their last sexual intercourse. Being female, living with spouses/partners, and being a nonimmigrant had a negative association with the lack of using condoms in the last sexual intercourse with casual partners/sex workers, as opposed to having mobility and self-care problems and identifying as a binge drinker. Therefore, workplace-based prevention programs focusing on providing tailored sexual health education and promoting condom use among industrial workers, especially those who are immigrant or migrant workers, in Vietnam should be emphasized.

Characterize health and economic vulnerabilities of workers to control the emergence of COVID-19 in an industrial zone in Vietnam

“…Main findings are presented in Table 1. The result showed that underlying health problems were common among industrial workers (Pham et al, 2019;Tran et al, 2019b;Tran et al, 2019c), with many suffering occupational diseases (Quynh Nguyen et al, 2017;Tran et al, 2016) and/or work-related injuries (Marucci-Wellman et al, 2010;Phung et al, 2008;Ratnasingam et al, 2012). A high prevalence of respiratory system problems was also reported (Chien et al, 2002).…”

Sexual Behaviours among Oil and Gas Workers in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria: Assessing the Impact of Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Prevention Programs

“…T he vulnerability to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been reportedly high among industrial workers, especially the migrants. [1][2][3][4] The widespread of HIV and STI has also been described as the most important determinant of the burden of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. 5,6 Some factors associated with unsafe behavioural changes such as unsafe sexual activities, excessive drinking, migration, mobility, and separation from family.…”

“…5,6 Some factors associated with unsafe behavioural changes such as unsafe sexual activities, excessive drinking, migration, mobility, and separation from family. 1,7 The risk of heterosexual HIV transmission is greater among workers in rural communities due to their lack of access to HIV treatment and prevention or inadequate facilities, exposure to sex workers and work situations. 1 In sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the rural communities, the definition of sexual activities is determined by cultural belief, social and economic context.…”

“…1,7 The risk of heterosexual HIV transmission is greater among workers in rural communities due to their lack of access to HIV treatment and prevention or inadequate facilities, exposure to sex workers and work situations. 1 In sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the rural communities, the definition of sexual activities is determined by cultural belief, social and economic context. Discussing sex with the opposite sex in the public is seen as taboo.…”

“…The factors associated with such risky behaviour include being immigrant, drunkenness, and mobility and selfcare challenges. 1,10 The widespread transmission of HIV and STIs in Nigeria, especially among the adolescents in rural communities have been associated with risky sexual behaviour and attitudes, which is mostly due to economic necessities to trade sex for financial rewards. 11 Some are even compelled into sexual engagements by men who are involved in multiple sexual relationships.…”