Prevention of HIV infection among migrant population groups in Northeast Brazil

• Main Authors: Ligia Regina Sansigolo Kerr-Pontes, Fernando González, Carl Kendall, Elda Maria Área Leão, Fábio Rocha Távora, Iusta Caminha, Alexandre Medeiros do Carmo, Marcela Moura França, Melícia Holanda Aguiar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz
• Series: Cadernos de Saúde Pública
• Subjects: acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; migration; primary prevention; vulnerability
• Online Access: http://www.scielosp.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-311X2004000100050&lng=en&tlng=en

HIV infection is spreading among the poor, women, and migrant communities in the interior of Northeast Brazil. The research focused on different configurations, beliefs, representations, and forms of social organization of behavior thought to be associated with the population's capacity to efficiently follow AIDS prevention measures. Participants located in neighborhoods known for having large migrant populations were identified by Family Health Program Workers in Fortaleza and Teresina. The study adopted a qualitative methodology. Several belief-system concepts and values, as well as the social organization of sexuality revealed in the study, represent obstacles both to AIDS prevention and condom use. Hunger, lack of prospects, and fear are associated with a social situation of poverty, exclusion, prejudice, and total absence of basic human rights When examined together, these elements define different configurations in the migrants' increased vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. The groups' increased vulnerability relates to the socioeconomic complexity that must be considered in HIV/AIDS control and prevention programs.