Publication:

A study on sexual risk behaviors of long-distance truck drivers in central India

Background The sexual behavior of trucking populations has been associated with the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV in India and elsewhere in the world. The objective of the study was to describe the Health seeking and sexual risks behaviors among the long distance truck drivers and to estimate the prevalence of STI symptoms in the long distance truck driver.

Methods Cross sectional study conducted on the Long Distance truck drivers plying on national highway passing through Bhopal state Highway, who halted at road side group of “Dhabas” (road side hotels) at 3 exits ways of Bhopal City M.P (India). A total of 309 truck drivers approached over a period of 90 days. Out of these 251 consented for the study.

Result The study revealed that 49 % of the long distance truck driver had CSW exposure in last 6 months. The prevalence of STI symptoms was found to be 21.51 % among the long distance truck drivers. The Truck Driver who had exposure with CSW more than five times in the last 6 months were found to be more careless regarding using condoms while having intercourse with the CSW’s.

Conclusion Effort like availability of condoms in the high risk group settings is required. Dhabas should be made to function as a sentinel centre for promoting awareness for HIV/AIDS and STIs.