Characterizing Unsafe Sexual Behavior among Factory Workers in the Context of Rapid Industrialization in Northern Vietnam.

Tran Tran,Nguyen Nguyen,Dang Dang,Do Do,Latkin Latkin,Vo Vo,Vu Vu,Ho Ho

doi:10.3390/ijerph16245085

Abstract

Industrial workers or factory workers, especially migrant workers, have been found to be vulnerable populations at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, there has been a gap in literature regarding health behaviors of migrant factory workers. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 230 factory workers in Hanoi and Bac Ninh cities in Northern Vietnam from July to September 2018 to identify sexual risk practices and related factors among migrant and nonmigrant factory workers. Information collected regarding sexual behavior included the number of sexual partners in the previous 12 months and whether they used condoms in their last sexual intercourse. Two-thirds of participants reported having no sexual activity in the last 12 months, and there was a low percentage of participants using condoms in their last sexual intercourse. Being female, living with spouses/partners, and being a nonimmigrant had a negative association with the lack of using condoms in the last sexual intercourse with casual partners/sex workers, as opposed to having mobility and self-care problems and identifying as a binge drinker. Therefore, workplace-based prevention programs focusing on providing tailored sexual health education and promoting condom use among industrial workers, especially those who are immigrant or migrant workers, in Vietnam should be emphasized.

Highlights

The majority of migrated people in Vietnam are young adults with middle-level education status and they migrate to more urban areas mainly for employment reasons [1]
We reported a low percentage of condom use among the workers in their last sexual intercourse with sex workers and/or casual partners
We found that being a female worker, living with spouses/partners, and being a local worker were negatively associated with no condom usage in the last sexual intercourse with casual partners or sex workers

Summary

Introduction

The majority of migrated people in Vietnam are young adults with middle-level education status and they migrate to more urban areas mainly for employment reasons [1]. Though this study looked at a limited group of mobile workers, it is suggested that the mobility of sex work across the border contributed to the high prevalence of HIV among border traders. In other low-middle-income countries like Vietnam, such as India and Thailand, factory workers and male migrant workers, respectively, are among the most vulnerable populations to HIV/AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [7,8]. Migrant workers generally are at greater risk of heterosexual HIV transmission due to their demographic characteristics, such as lack of access to HIV treatment and prevention, unstable family and work situations, and access to sex workers [9]

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Discussion

Conclusion