The effect of migration patterns on exposure to HIV prevention in a migrant community

This study examined the effects of migratory stream patterns on the amount of exposure to HIV prevention. It was hypothesized that fewer number of moves, a homebase in Collier County, Florida, greater number of years lived in Collier County, and having field-related jobs increase the potential for exposure to HIV prevention. Rural drug users and their sex partners were recruited from migrant camps in Collier County. Each camp was randomly assigned to either a Standard group or an Enhanced group. Descriptive analyses and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the effects of migration patterns on exposure (measured by the total number of contacts subjects had with study personnel) while controlling for demographic characteristics. A separate model was analyzed for the Standard group and the Enhanced group. The analysis revealed that being female, having lived in Collier County for a longer period of time, having a field-related job, and moving fewer times during the previous three years were significantly related to greater exposure to the HIV prevention intervention. The current study identifies a subgroup of migrants who are at high risk for deprivation of HIV-related information. Intervention efforts need to be targeted toward migrants who are male, have lived in Collier County for a short period of time, move frequently during agricultural seasons, or who are unemployed, prostitutes, or have other non-field-related jobs.