Brief abstract

Researchers estimate that several hundred thousand Nepali men migrate to India for employment every year. These seasonal migrant workers travel to all parts of India, usually without their wives or regular sexual partners. Researchers also believe that women who have sexual contact with men who migrate to India for work have a higher risk of HIV infection or contracting other STDs than other women do.

Migrant workers' wives studied

In 2001, researchers surveyed almost 900 women as part of the study. The mean age was 28 years. Over 99% of the sample was currently married. The mean age of marriage was nearly 16 and mean age at first birth was about 18.  Less than 16% had any formal education.

Result show low rate of HIV infection

Only three women from the study group tested positive for HIV, which accounts for less than half of one percent of the sample. Over 30% of the study population had at least one form of STD infection.

Other results:

• At least 14% tested positive for either Trichomonas vaginalis or bacterial vaginosis.
• Candida albicans was diagnosed in 15% of study subjects.
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections were diagnosed in 14 study subjects (under 2%).
• Less than 1% of the sample had active syphilis, while 4.5% tested positive for a past syphilis infection.

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