Labor Migration, Social Capital and HIV/AIDS Risks in South Africa

Winfred A. Avogo, Illinois State University

This paper uses perspectives on social capital and social network analysis of health outcomes to examine labor migration and its association with HIV risks of migrants compared to non-migrants. Using cross-sectional data on 2020 respondents conducted in 2012 in metropolitan areas of Gauteng Province of South Africa, we find that compared to natives, internal and international migrants were less likely to know where to test and seek free treatment for HIV, they were also more likely to indicate higher risks of HIV. We also find that regular attendance at religious organizations and cultural activities was positively associated with testing and seeking treatment of HIV for migrants than for non-migrants. We interpret the results in the light of a network-based approach to social capital and health and efforts to prevent HIV in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.