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13th International AIDS ConferenceDurban, South Africa - July 9-July 14, 2000 |
Int Conf AIDS 2000 Jul 9-14; 13:(abstract no. ThOrC672)
Zuma K, Gouws E, Williams B, Campbell C, Lurie M
K. Zuma, Medical Research Councul, PO Box 17120, Congella 4013, South Africa, Tel.: +27 031 202 0777, Fax: +27 031 202 0950, E-mail: kzuma@mrc.ac.za
OBJECTIVE: Migrancy status is generally known to be a risk factor for the spread of HIV. However, little information is available on migrant women. This study aims to asses HIV status amongst self-identified migrant women, to determine the risk factors for infection, and to investigate patterns of migrancy.
METHOD: A community based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Carletonville in 1998. A total of about 2236 people between the ages of 13 and 59 were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire addressed social and behavioural issues. Women in the study were asked whether they identify themselves as migrants or non-migrants.
RESULTS: Of 833 women who were interviewed, 24.9% self-identified as migrants. HIV prevalence was significantly higher among migrant women (50.9%) than among non-migrant women (38.7%), RR = 1.3 '95% CI: 1.1-1.6'. Age specific HIV prevalence rates were consistently higher amongst migrants than non-migrants, reaching a peak of 80% in 20-24 year old migrant women and 58.6% in 25-29 year old non-migrant woman. The average age of self-identified migrant women was 34.35 years (SD = 8.78) and non-migrant women was 28.93 years (SD = 10.47). Of the migrant women 58.45% were unemployed, 41.55% were employed and 52.04% were sex workers. Of the migrant women who were unemployed, 61.67% received payment for sex during their last sexual encounter with a casual partner. The majority of the migrants intended staying in Carletonville for more than one year.
CONCLUSION: Migrant women are at particular high risk of HIV infection. The HIV rates are related to the high level of unemployment, which leads to more involvement in commercial sex work. Urgent intervention is required.
Copyright © 2000 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.
