Migrations and HIV transmission as experienced by people living with HIV in Lao PDR / Lao Medical Journal

ABSTRACT

@#Objective: The aim of this paper is to assess the interactions between migration paths and HIV infection risks among and from the views of people living with HIV in Lao PDR. Methods: Twenty-four in-depth interviews with eight interviewees were carried out by four trained members of the Association of People Living with HIV (APL+), in 2017. The qualitative analysis was done manually to explore the influence of social determinants through migratory paths on the evolution of individual lifestyles, working and living environments, access to information, prevention and healthcare that contribute to HIV infection risks. Results: Low levels of economic and education lead to migration and also increase risky practices and vulnerability to HIV infection of migrant workers. Insufficient awareness and access to prevention against HIV/STIs in their home country increase risky behaviours during migration. Moreover, inadequate referral system for HIV treatment, stigma, and family relationships contribute to influence the life courses of migrants' post-HIV infection. Conclusions: Raising awareness and providing access to information on HIV/STIs, both for internal and external migrant workers are crucial in order to diminish the prevalence of HIV infection among the target audience. A reinforcement of the existing collaborative health measures between Lao PDR and Thailand is needed to enhance migrants’ access to healthcare services.