Life in the big city: The multiple vulnerabilities of migrant Cambodian garment factory workers to HIV

Abstract

Cambodia has one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV in Asia; an increasing number of HIV positive Cambodians are women. The purpose of this qualitative study was to assess the context of HIV prevention for rural-to-urban migrant Cambodian female garment factory workers. Interviews with migrant garment factory workers and key informants, and focus group with health care providers confirmed that poverty was the primary motivator for migration. Women and key informants reported awareness that some migrants had sexual relationships with local men or engaged in sex work to supplement their income. Factory restrictions limited women's ability to access health care services and health education programs. Key themes of the research were economic, social and occupational vulnerabilities of these migrant workers placed them in a context of increased risk of acquiring HIV. Interventions to reduce the risk of HIV infection for migrant Cambodian garment factory workers should address these themes.