Predictors for Using a HIV Self-Test Among Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers in North Carolina.

Samantha Kinney,C Lea,Anna Kinsey,Carlos Amaya,Greg Kearney

doi:10.3390/ijerph120708348

Abstract

Background: Approximately, two million migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSF) work in the United States annually. Several factors, such as lack of access to healthcare services and health behaviors, contribute to risk of HIV transmission. Relatively few studies have explored MSF knowledge of HIV transmission and testing options. Methods: A 12-question, self-administered survey of farmworkers (n = 178) from 19 migrant camps was conducted. The survey assessed knowledge of factors related to HIV transmission, testing, and intention to use a HIV home-test kit. Results: Participants with knowledge of treatment for HIV (p = 0.03) and that condom use protects against HIV (p = 0.04) were more willing to express intent to use a home test kit than those with less knowledge. Concern among farmworkers that HIV was a very or somewhat serious problem in their community was associated with expressing intent to use a home test kit (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 0.92–5.5). Respondents with less knowledge were less likely to use a home test kit. Conclusions: MSF were concerned about HIV in their community and would be willing to use to a home test kit. This pilot study provides a basis for additional research related to HIV testing within the MSF community.

Highlights

Hispanic and Latinos are disproportionately affected by new HIV infections
The results of this study indicate that migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSF) consider HIV a serious concern in their community and would be motivated to use a home test kit to identify HIV status
Rates of new HIV infection in Latino men continues to increase in the U.S While limited current data exist on HIV incidence rates or prevalence in this vulnerable occupational group, MSF, the annual movement of thousands of documented and undocumented male workers between the U.S, Mexico, and other countries engaged in agricultural production sets the context for HIV spread into the

Summary

Introduction

In 2010, the rate of new HIV infections for Latino males was 2.9 times that for white males [1]. Increasing access to testing, while promoting risk reduction, are important public health measures to decrease the number of diagnoses of HIV infection among disproportionately affected population groups [3]. Two million migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSF) work in the United States annually. Several factors, such as lack of access to healthcare services and health behaviors, contribute to risk of HIV transmission. Concern among farmworkers that HIV was a very or somewhat serious problem in their community was associated with expressing intent to use a home test kit (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 0.92–5.5)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion