Keywords : HIV vulnerability, high risk behaviour, migrants, females, college students

Background

Migrant population is a recognized risk group for HIV infection, however limited evidence is available to ascertain the risk of female migrants. This study was conducted to explore HIV/AIDS related vulnerability and risk of novel group i.e. migrant female college students.

Materials and methods

Mixed method exploratory study. 100 female migrant students were studied using semi-closed questionnaire. In-depth interviews were conducted for respondents with self-reported high-risk sexual behavior to identify factors that increased their vulnerability and risk.

Results

21% participants had inadequate HIV/AIDS related knowledge, mean age of sexual initiation was 18.7 years and 10% participants showed high-risk sexual behavior as none used condom consistently. Statistically significant association was observed between respondent’s high-risk behavior and having friends who were sexually exposed (p < 0.005), also with respondent’s partner’s current place of residence (p <0.001).  From in-depth interviews;  Push factors like greater opportunities, peer pressure and pull factor like coerced sexual intercourse lead to high risk sexual behaviour. Behavioural factors like inability to negotiate condom use, embarrassment in purchasing condom and poor self-perceived risk further increased the respondent’s vulnerability to acquire HIV infection.

Conclusion

Keeping in mind that in India, migrant female students comprises a sizeable number hence we conclude that migrant female college students are vulnerable.