Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and risk behaviors regarding HIV/AIDS among Myanmar migrant workers in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine and describe knowledge, attitudes, risky behaviors, and the factors influencing risky behaviors, regarding HIV/AIDS among Myanmar migrant workers in Bangkok. Quaota sampling method was used to select 367 Myanmar migrants contacted at two churches and a recreational park frequented by the migrants. A questionnaire, consisting of components regarding socio-demographic factors, and knowledge, attitudes and risk behaviors regarding HIV/AIDS, was used for data collectgion. The reliability of the questionnaire was ensured and descriptive statistics; Chi-square test and Independent Sample T-test were used for data analyses. Following were the main results of the survey: 1. The total mean score of the knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS of Myanmar migrant workers was at "fair" level (Mean= 0.65, SD=0.22), higher than a previous study involving Mayanmar migrants conducted in Sangkhlarburi and Ranong provinces. About half of the migrants (47.4%) had "fair" level of knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS; in particular being aware of various ways HIV is transmitted. However, there were several beliefs contrary to facts resulting from insufficient knowledge and confusion. 2. The total mean score of the attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS of migrants was at "moderate" level (Mean=14.58, SD=3.55). Most of the migrants (70.8%) had "moderate" level of attitude, including willingness to be tested for HIV, and a negative or a neutral attitude toward PLWHAs. But there were also some unsubstantiated attitudes such as neglecting the use of condom a few times in would not cause infection. 3. Sexual contact in risky situations without or only occasionally using condoms, homosexual behavior, and women not getting tested for HIV before being pregnant were the main risky behaviors. About 52% migrants had sexual experience; about half of them were single/divorced and the rest of the half married. Condom use was very low, and only 17% migrants with sexual experience were using condoms regularly. 4. Only the relationship between gender and risk behaviors, including homosexual experience, having more than one sexual partner, and ignorance about use of condom found to be statistically significant at p-value 0.001, 0.029 and 0.007, respectively. This shows that practices between males and females were different. Relatonship between knowledge and risk behaviors of condom use were found to be significant at p value 0.004. Also relationship between attitudes and risk behavior was significant at p-value 0.024 5 Recommendations involve regular programs to improve knowledge and attitudes and behaviors among Myanmar migrants, and policy initicatives to improve migrants' access to information and health services. Present research could serve as a baseline to assess effectiveness of these programs. Further qualitative research needs to be conducted to improve understanding of Myanmar migrants' attitudes and behaviors.