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 mov es, a homebase in Collier County, Florida, greater number of years lived in Collier County, and having field-related jobs increase the potential for e xposure to HIV prevention. Rural drug users and their sex partners were rec ruited from migrant camps in Collier County. Each camp was randomly assigne d to either a Standard group or an Enhanced group. Descriptive analyses and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the effects of migr ation patterns on exposure (measured by the total number of contacts subjec ts had with study personnel) while controlling for demographic characterist ics. A separate model was analyzed for the Standard group and the Enhanced group. The analysis revealed that being female, having lived in Collier Cou nty for a longer period of time, having a field-related job, and moving few er times during the previous three years were significantly related to grea ter exposure to the HIV prevention intervention. The current study identifi es a subgroup of migrants who are at high risk for deprivation of HIV-relat ed information. Intervention efforts need to be targeted toward migrants wh o are male, have lived in Collier County for a short period of time, move f requently during agricultural seasons, or who are unemployed, prostitutes, or have other non-field-related jobs.