Community Migration and HIV Testing Among Left-behind Armenian Mothers

David Ferrandiz-Mont, National Yang-Ming University
Chi Chiao , National Yang-Ming University

This study examines trends and differences in sexual health from 2010 to 2015 among left-behind mothers (LBMs) and non-LBMs in Armenia in relation to household wealth. Using population-based Demographic and Health Surveys from Armenia, multilevel logistic models were used to estimate the relationships between sexual health, LBM status, and household wealth. LBMs were significantly more likely than non-LBMs to come from economically disadvantaged households, to self-report STI (AOR=1.55; p<0.01) and experience intimate partner violence (IPV) (AOR=1.19; p<0.05). A significant increase in self-reported STI (AOR=1.74; p<0.05) and IPV (AOR=1.79; p<0.01), and a decline in negotiating power over sex (AOR=0.75; p<0.01) were found among LBMs from 2010 to 2015. Dramatic differential effects of household wealth on utilizing HIV testing, self-rated STI, IPV, and negotiating power over sex, were observed particularly among non-LBMs. This large difference in sexual health trends between LBMs and non-LBMs suggests that sexual health policies should be socioeconomic specific.

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 Presented in Session 7. Migration & Urbanization