Title: 'This place is not normal': mobile workers and HIV/AIDS

Authors: Donna Bulman; Maria Mathews; Margaret Dykeman; Diana L. Gustafson; Fran Keough

Addresses: University of New Brunswick, PO Box 4400, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3, Canada ' Division of Community Health & Humanities, Health Science Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's NL A1B 3V6, Canada ' University of New Brunswick, P.O. Box 4400, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3, Canada ' Division of Community Health & Humanities, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's NL A1B 3V6, Canada ' AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador, 47 Janeway Place, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1A 1R7, Canada

Abstract: This qualitative research study explores lifestyle changes associated with mobile work that may put one at risk for acquiring HIV/AIDS or other STIs. Data collection occurred between 2008 and 2011. Sixteen men and women from Atlantic Canada participated. All participants had worked in the oil sands at Fort McMurray and had travelled back to Atlantic Canada at least once in the year prior to data collection. Participants discussed lifestyle factors related to mobility and 'place' that might put them at risk for acquiring HIV/AIDS or other STIs. A thematic analysis was completed. Social disruption, the environment, workplace safety policies, and limited health services contributed to risky behaviours that could put participants at risk for acquiring HIV/AIDS or other STIs. Additional research, including ethnographic studies, is required prior to making recommendations to influence health promotion, harm reduction and occupational health and safety policies.

Keywords: mobile work; mobile workers; HIV/AIDS; migration; oil sands; internal migration; health risks; residential mobility; lifestyle changes; STIs; sexually transmitted infections; social disruption; environment; workplace safety; health services; risky behaviour.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMRM.2014.059700

International Journal of Migration and Residential Mobility, 2014 Vol.1 No.1, pp.72 - 83

Published online: 21 Jun 2014 *