Multi-Level Evaluation of Biosocial Risk Factors of Hiv-Infection Among Migrant Workers

Abstract

Aim. Multi-level evaluation by case-control method of social, sociocultural and behavioural risk factors of HIV-infection spread among male migrant workers arriving to Russia from near abroad countries. Materials and methods. Interviews of migrants, that had appealed for medical examination for work permit, were carried out for detection of risk factors. Results of interviewing of 191 migrants with HIV-infection (case group) and 190 migrants without HIV-infection (control group) were analyzed. Methods of descriptive statistics and logistical regression were used for the analysis. Results. Factors, related to dangerous sexual behavior, were leading in development of HIV-infection. Furthermore, HIV-infected migrants had inferior work and accommodation conditions, lower salary, lower subjective health evaluation, became object of xenophobia more frequently and had more previous travels into the receiving country. Factors, that reduce risk of infection and spread of HIV-infection, were detected: HIV-infection awareness, adherence to religion and legal requirements of the receiving country. Advantages and disadvantages of surveying during detection of HIV-infection risk factors are discussed. Conclusion. The same risk factors of HIV-infection spread are significant in the population of migrant workers as in the indigenous population. Factors specific for migrants, that facilitate infection spread, were also established. HIV prophylaxis system among migrants should be based on prevention and correction of risk factors detected in the study and enhancement of factors, that cause preventive effect.