Determinants of condom use among migrants: A comparison between male and female farm workers in two South African Provinces

Previous studies have shown that HIV prevalence rates are relatively high while condom use is low among migrant communities in South Africa (Zuma 2003, Weltz 2007, IOM 2008). This study seeks to investigate factors associated with condom use in selected commercial farms in LImpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. It uses data obtained from the Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in 2010 among 2810 farm workers. Statistical analyses are done at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels, the main model to be used being logistic regression. The outcome variable is condom use at the last intercourse while the explanatory variables include sex, age, marital status, financial stability, sexual abuse, access to free condoms, transactional sex and xenophobic experience. Since these factors define migrants vulnerability in the host country, the xepected results are that these factors reduce the likelihood of condom use among migrants. The study seeks to establish how these factors vary in influence between migrant men and women in commercial farms and hence contribute to the ongoing discussion on HIV prevention among migrant communities.