The Impact of Migration on HIV Prevention for Women: Constructing a Conceptual Framework

Abstract

There are an estimated 40.5 million people currently living with HIV globally, 17.5 million of whom are women, according to the AIDS Epidemic update: December 2005, conducted by UNAIDS and the World Health Organization (WHO) 2005. Women are vulnerable to HIV for biologic as well as social reasons. In the past, the HIV prevention theorists have not considered the context of women's lives: factors at the individual, relationship, and community levels, as well as structural factors (both policy and cultural) impact on HIV prevention for women. This is particularly true for migrant women, who may be especially vulnerable to HIV infection during their time of transition. Throughout this article I explore the international literature for both the historical context of HIV prevention for women and the impact of migration on HIV risk for women. The literature review provides a basis for the development of a conceptual framework of the socioecologic factors affecting HIV prevention for migrant women. I call for consideration of the broad context of women's experience when developing interventions for this population.

I acknowledge the support and guidance of my thesis supervisor, Dr. Nancy Edwards, and my thesis committee members, Dr. Carol Amaratunga, Dr. Ian Graham, and Dr. Lynne Leonard. I also acknowledge and appreciate the financial support of the Women's Health Scholar's Award from the Ontario Women's Health Council through the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies.