HIV-HCV Incidence in Low-Wage Agricultural Migrant Workers Living in Ghettos in Apulia Region, Italy: A Multicenter Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Migrant populations are more susceptible to viral hepatitis and HIV due to the epidemiology from their country of origin or their social vulnerability when they arrive in Europe. The aims of the study are to explore the incidence of HIV and HCV in low-wage agricultural migrant workers and their knowledge, attitude, and practice with regard to HIV and HCV, as well as their sexual behaviour and risk factors. As part of the mobile clinic services, we performed a screening campaign for HIV-HCV involving migrants living in three Apulian establishments. Results: Between January 2020 and April 2021, 309 migrants (n. 272, 88% male, mean age 28.5 years) were enrolled in the study. Most of the migrants interviewed (n = 297, 96%) reported a stopover in Libya during their trip to Italy. Only 0.9% (n. 3) of migrants reported having been tested for HCV, while 30.7% (n. 95) reported being tested for HIV. Furthermore, screening tests found four migrants (1.3%) to be HIV positive and nine (2.9%) to be HCV positive. The median knowledge score was 1 (IQR 0-3; maximum score: 6 points) for HCV and 3 (IQR 1-4; maximum score: 7 points) for HIV and low use of condoms was 5% (n. 16), while more than 95% show an attitude score of 5 (IQR 5-6; maximum score:6 points) on HIV-HCV education campaigns. In a multivariate analysis, being male (OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.28–1.92), being single (OR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.20–2.03), being of low educational status (OR = 2.09; 95% CI 1.29–2.21), living in shantytowns for >12 months (OR = 1.95; 95% CI 1.25–2.55), and originating from the African continent (OR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.28–2.01) are significant predictors of poor knowledge on HCV. Our data show low knowledge, especially of HCV, confirming migrants as a population with a higher risk of infection. To develop education programmes, integrated care and screening among migrants could be an effective strategy, considering the high attitude toward these items shown in our study.

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Predictors for Loss to Follow Up among Marginalized Homeless and Migrant Communities: a Cross-Sectional Study

“…In our study, which included 85 homeless people and 64 agricultural migrant workers living in Southern Italy, the cumulative prevalence of STI was high, and only half of the overall population returned to collect test results. Overall knowledge of STI modes of transmission was low and, in line with other studies [18,19], only 14% of the population reported consistent condom use.…”

HIV and Co-Infections: Updates and Insights

“…Moreover, Popping [ 6 ] stressed the role of knowing the transmission dynamics of HCV for targeted prevention strategies. Totaro and colleagues [ 7 ] underline how migrants in Italy have low HCV knowledge, confirming migrants as a population with a higher risk of infection. These studies can help to develop education programmes, integrated care, and screening among migrants, which could be an effective strategy.…”