| Summary: | More than 5.7 million people in India were estimated to have Human Inmmunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in 2005. Large numbers of men, usually without their immediate families, migrate within the country in search of work. Data, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, suggest migrant men form an important bridging group for HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission from core groups into the general population. Migrant men have been targeted for HIV/STI prevention interventions although few data are available on the association of migration, sexual behaviour, HIV and STIs in India. This thesis describes a study on HIV, STIs and sexual risk behaviour among migrant men in India to help guide HIV/STI prevention interventions. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used. A cross-sectional survey with a stratified random sample of 846 participants was conducted between September 2005 and May 2006 amongst male migrant diamond and textile workers in Surat city, Gujarat. Data were collected on socio-demographic, lifestyle, sexual behaviour, knowledge, attitudes and perceptions, STI and HIV related signs and symptoms. Blood and urine samples were tested for HIV and STIs. Four focus groups with 37 migrant men were conducted between April and May 2007. To my knowledge, this study provides the first non-surveillance HIV and STI data in men in Gujarat. The study participants were found to form a group with an intermediate risk of HIV infection. Higher risk sexual behaviour, HIV and STI prevalence was low compared to other studies on migrant and mobile men. However the prevalence was generally higher than described in the Indian male general population. Condom use was low but more likely during riskier sexual behaviour. The quantitative results are interpreted within the context of the qualitative results and other literature. The implications for HIV/STI intervention work in Surat are discussed.
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