Sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behavior, and HIV risks of rural-to-urban migrants in China.

Rural-to-urban migrants in China show an increasing trend in risky sexual behaviors.

• Many rural-to-urban migrants are young and better educated than non-migrants but less educated than urban residents.
• These migrants often work in industries like construction, factories, and commercial services, and are frequently separated from their families.
• Risky sexual behaviors, including premarital sex, extramarital sex, and commercial sex, are becoming more common among this population.
• Rates of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain relatively low overall but are rising among migrant sex workers.
• The observed increase in risky behaviors and STIs suggests a potential for a growing HIV epidemic among and beyond rural-to-urban migrants.
• Targeted HIV prevention and intervention programs should consider the social, demographic, and cultural contexts of rural-to-urban migrants.

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