Vulnerability profile of migrant construction workers to HIV/AIDS in an urban area in south India – a cross sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: It is well known that migrant construction workers are at high risk for HIV/AIDS. Their vulnerability profile is not well known. Objectives: To assess the vulnerability profile of migrant construction workers to HIV/AIDS in an urban area in south India. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive assessment was done among 307 migrant construction workers from 15 constructions sites in an urban area in Chennai selected through multi stage random sampling using a structured questionnaire. Results: Nearly 85% of the respondents were aged below 35 years, 92% were living alone, 76% lacked education, and more than 60% had migrated greater than 5 years ago. Other than HIV being spread by sharing needles, they had a good level of knowledge and awareness about transmission of HIV. But they were not aware of Anti-retroviral treatment. There were no misconceptions among the migrant workers. Conclusions: Though levels of knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS are high among the migrant workers, the vulnerability levels are very high. There needs to be vulnerability mitigating interventions at the policy level apart from increasing awareness.