Temporary Migration and the Spread of STDs/HIV in China: Is There a Link?

Using data from the literature and a specially designed community-level survey, this article examines the link between temporary migration and the spread of HIV/STDs in China. The results suggest that temporary migrants not only are overrepresented among people with STD/HIV risk-taking behaviors, but also account for disproportionately more STD patients and persons infected with HIV. It is imperative that STD and AIDS prevention intervention and education programs in China target temporary migrants. More research is needed that focuses on the underlying mechanisms by which the process of temporary migration renders migrants vulnerable to STD/HIV risk-taking behaviors.