A cross-sectional study of sexual behavior of migrant workers in Botswana

Background: With recent rapid development, Botswana has been a host country to migrant workers from various countries and regions of the world for many years. The aim of this study is to investigate the sexual behavior of migrant workers in Botswana and determine the risk factors for unsafe sex. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted (n = 422), in the two biggest cities of Botswana (Gaborone and Francistown) regarding the sexual behavior of migrant workers by using a structured questionnaire tool for data collection. Results: The migrant workers’ ages ranged from 18 to 65 years old (11.3 ± 34.4 years). Of the respondents, 301 migrant workers (71.3%) were unmarried while 121 were married (28.7%). The multivariate results showed that the possibility for men of having sexual intercourse with commercial sex workers was significant with education, marital status and housing (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study results are a reminder that we should support safe-sex education programs in those sectors with low condom usage and among commercial sex workers. Condom use should be encouraged, especially in older migrant workers.