Social integration and risky sexual behaviors among international migrants in China: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: International migrants are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections, and their flow may accelerate the related virus (e.g., HIV, HCV, and syphilis) transmission. When international migrants enter a new environment, there will be a process of adaptation in all areas of life, and social integration plays an important role in international migrants' daily life.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the influence of social integration on the risky sexual behaviors of international migrants in China and provided evidence both for healthcare intervention and global health development.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and September 2021 among international migrants who lived in China by snowball sampling method. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the basic characteristics and risky sexual behaviors of international migrants. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the influencing factors of risky sexual behaviors.

Results: In total, 1433 international migrants were incorporated into the study. There were 23.10% (331) participants who considered their Chinese fluent, and 34.40% (493) considered it hard. The average number of Chinese friends they frequently interact with was (5.45 ± 2.16), and 77.60% (1112) of international migrants often attend activities held by Chinese people with 84.86% (1216) having a Chinese name. The probability of engaging in risky sexual behaviors was higher among people with lower Chinese or English level. Moreover, participants with fewer Chinese friends frequently interacted with had more unprotected sexual behaviors. People who did not often attend activities held by Chinese people had more multiple sexual partners (AOR 1.441; 95%CI 1.019,2.039) and unprotected sexual behaviors (AOR 1.523; 95%CI 1.006,2.306).

Conclusions: Social integration was related to the prevalence of risky sexual behaviors among international migrants. Improving Chinese level, increasing social interaction with locals as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help decrease risky sexual behaviors. Therefore, more attention should be paid to social integration among international migrants, helping them integrate into local society, and promote their health condition to effectively address the health challenges faced by them in a globalized world.