Factors impacting HIV testing among young women migrant workers in Vietnamese industrial zones

Abstract

Abstract Background. Young migrant workers living in low- and middle-income countries often experience the barriers and inadequate access to HIV prevention and treatment services. This study examines the prevalence of HIV testing, associated factors and reasons for obtaining and not obtaining HIV testing among young women migrant workers working in the industrial zones in Hanoi, Vietnam. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1061 young women migrant workers (aged 18 to 29) working in the Thang Long industrial zone in Hanoi, Vietnam. Data were collected via a face-to-face interview from January 2020 to June 2021. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors associated with ever-testing for HIV Results. The study found a low level of HIV testing and high rates of unprotected sex; only 18.7% of participants reported having ever tested for HIV. Among those who reported never having tested for HIV, 46.4% said they had ever had sex, and 38.8% reported not using condoms during their most recent sexual encounter. Factors associated with prior testing for HIV included older age, being married, higher HIV knowledge, having sex with and without condoms, and prior use of sexual and reproductive health and HIV services. Conclusions. Overall, a low level of HIV testing, high rates of unprotected sex and low perceived risk of HIV among study participants point to a need to implement targeted HIV interventions that can improve safe sex practices and perceptions of risky sexual behaviors, as well as take into consideration factors facilitating HIV testing HIV testing among industrial zones women migrant workers.