HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Burmese migrant factory workers in Tak Province, Thailand

Abstract

Little information is known regarding the level of knowledge among Burmese migrant workers along the Thai/Burma border concerning risk factors, prevention or transmission of HIV. The Burma Medical Association (BMA) and National Health and Education Committee (NHEC) collected data on knowledge, attitudes and practices among 725 factory workers in Tak Province, Thailand during July 2000. We present results from a secondary analysis of these data. Responses were grouped into prevention, transmission and risk categories, and percentages answered correctly were recorded. Men consistently scored higher than women, with significant gender differences in the prevention and transmission questions. Forty-one per cent of the women understood that contraceptive pills do not prevent infection and 15% of females reported ever seeing a condom. Twelve per cent of men and 1.4% of women reported ever using a condom (OR=8.57, p<0.0001). Previously, virtually no access has been extended to persons trying to document health status among Burmese migrant workers in factories. The survey reveals a significant lack of knowledge about HIV among factory workers and indicates that a sub-population of Burmese people appears to lack the most basic information about the epidemic.