Introduction HIV/AIDS has become a major public health problem in India. Its prevalence among young people aged 15–24 years is high. Migrant workers have been identified as a population at risk for acquiring and transmitting HIV in many countries. For several reasons female migrants are believed to be more vulnerable than their male counterparts. Several studies have established that high risk sexual behaviours are related to the working environment. So it is important to identify the relationship between the workplace and HIV risk this may help researchers to develop appropriately targeted prevention intervention strategies among this vulnerable subpopulation. To evaluate awareness and attitude regarding HIV/AIDS and high risk behaviour related to HIV infection among garment workers.

Methods Primary data has been collected from selected garment unit in Mumbai city. In-depth interviews and focus group discussion have been conducted using semi structured questionnaire among women garment worker in Mumbai.

Results Interviews with migrant garment workers confirmed that poverty was the primary motivator for migration. Mostly migrated to the urban settlements from rural areas. This has significantly changed their socio-economic behaviour and livelihoods; They mostly belong to diversified poor socio-economic background; The workers are very young, having poor knowledge of personal hygiene, sexual and reproductive health, safer sex practices, STI and HIV/AIDS. They have limited access to reproductive and sexual health care and preventive measures. Factory restrictions limited women’s ability to access health care services and health education programs. Women involving in multiple partner sexual relations, which put them at greater health risk like RTI/STI/HIV.

Conclusion It is really a matter of concern as these women are highly vulnerable and can easily be infected with the HIV, considering the fact that they are not well aware about safe sexual practices. Adequate measures needs to be taken at various levels to address this issue more seriously.