Migration, gender, and HIV in Lao PDR : Lao migrants returning to Savannakhet Province with HIV contracted in Thailand | |
| Author | Sommay Mounsourisack |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GD-06-20 |
| Subject(s) | HIV infections--Laos--Savannakhet Migrant labor HIV-positive women--Laos--Savannakhet |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. GD-06-20 |
| Abstract | Migration is a very common phenomenon today. Thousands of young Lao men and women migrate from Savannakhet to Thailand seeking employment. Upon return to Laos, many are infected with HN, placing additional physical and emotional burdens on their families and communities and suffering tremendously for what was intended as an effort to improve their own and their family's livelihood. This research reports the experiences of twenty eight individuals who migrated to Thailand illegally and returned with HN. The study was conducted during three months in spring of 2006 in Savannakhet province in Laos, and utilized standard anthropological methods of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions at the provincial hospital and in three villages. Additionally, key government officials were interviewed Qualitative analysis was used to provide insight into gender issues in migration, particularly related to vulnerability to contraction of HN. Mobile populations have an increased risk of HN infection due to unsafe sex practices. This study explores the differing risk factors for women and men who cross the border into Thailand. The research sought to (1) find data on legal and illegal Lao migration to Thailand from the border area of Savannakhet, (2) understand patterns of migrant experience by gender, age, and ethnicity for cases known as "return HN", (3) understand the different context that lead people to become infected with HN, and (4) consider what change(s) would interrupt the events within migration that result in HIV infection. All respondents are illegal migrants. Their existence at their destinations is usually not acknowledged, which renders them vulnerable. They often lack access to necessary social services. Their poor awareness and access to vital public information, such health care, education and their desperate need for income, it means as a group they are in a particular disadvantage even in comparison to the native poor. The study found that peer pressure as well as economic need influences many women to practice transactional sex on part time for supplementary income. Give data on women getting HN from their partners, and other key result. Migration is related to the socio-economic change. It seems that these changes are targeting to the unprepared population following the new open up economic policy. Overall, the existing situation of Savannakhet Province suggests the urgent need for policy makers to recognize economic migration and improve the conditions under which migration takes place. Secondly, sexual and reproductive health education should be expanded in many sectors in order to increase popular understanding of gender inequality as a factor in the spread of the AIDS epidemic in Laos. |
| Year | 2006 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. GD-06-20 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Gender and Development Studies (GD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Earth, Barbara |
| Examination Committee(s) | Resurreccion, Bernadette P.; Swierzeck, Fredric William |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Sweden (Sida) |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2006 |