Risky Sexual Behaviors and HIV Vulnerability of Male Migrant Workers in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) presents a serious healthcare threat to young individuals in Bangladesh and worldwide. This study aimed at to explore the risky sexual behaviors and HIV vulnerability of male migrant workers in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh. Methods: Data and necessary information were collected from a random sample of 200 male migrant workers living in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh. To analyze the data, both bivariate and multivariate analyses were used as the statistical tools. Results: The results confirmed that migrant workers are more likely to be engaged in risky sexual relationships which increased the risk of HIV infection. The determinants, educational status, watching adult movies or pornographic materials, smoking habit and taking illegal drugs have shown significant effects on the likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behaviors. The respondents know that HIV/AIDS causes sure deaths. It does significantly reduce the likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behaviors and it does not completely mediate the effects of viewing pornographic materials, smoking, consuming illegal drugs and being illiterate. Conclusions: The hypothesis supports that the migrant workers are more engaged in risky sexual behaviors. More research is needed in this area. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive program to prevent the migrant workers from risky sexual behaviors as well as HIV infections.