FHI/Nepal commissioned the study STD Prevalence Study Among Women in Migrant Communities to determine the extent of common sexually transmitted diseases within migrant communities in Nepal. 

The research project focused on the wives of men who migrate to India for work from Kailali district. Kailali is an ethnically diverse part of the country, with large populations of both Hindus and Muslims. The study was conducted in a rural area, approximately 30 kilometers from the nearest town.

The women in the study group are wives of migrant worker males. Though there is little reliable data, it is estimated that several hundred thousand Nepali men migrate to India for employment yearly. In the context of this study, we define migrants as individuals who leave their country of origin, Nepal, voluntarily, and have the intention to return to Nepal. These migrant workers travel to all parts of India, particularly to the large cities and towns, and usually without their regular partners. They live there for periods ranging from 3-6 months to several years at a stretch before returning home.