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Abstract
High risk behaviour and various practices of truck drivers regarding HIV/AIDS and STD
Bhalla S.1, Somasundaram C.2, Bhalla V.1, Singh S.1
Introduction: One male occupation that appears to be associated with increases risk of HIV infection is long distance truck driving,a profession that requires prolonged absence from home and families.
Methods: The present study was conducted in Jamnagar,Gujrat,India.Period of data collection was from Nov 2000 To October 2001(365 days).Out of this 260 days were taken as working days and per day on an average 6 drivers were interviewed individually.The truck drivers were contacted at Four places which are the places of entry at this city.On the basis of this sample size is calculated as =260 x 6 =1560 Total 1600 were studied.Further one year was taken for analysis.
Results: Majority (46.8%) were in age group of 15-25 years.26.3% were illiterate.41.6% had monthly income between 1001-200 rupees.Except 16.6% drivers all others were long distance drivers.72% were married.58% out of total had history of visiting CSWS(commercial sex workers).Visiting tendency was more among married(62.5%) as compared to 46.4% unmarried.70.5% of married drivers visited upto 10 times to CSWS.40.5% drivers used to drive 11 to 15 hours daily.27.4% of drivers remained away from there families for duration more than one month at a time.As the duration of staying away from family increased h/o visiting CSWS also increased.56.9% of total drivers never used condoms during sex with CSWS.38% of unmarried drivers gave history of STD as compared to 26.6% married But equal proportion of them had taken treatment for it.75.3% drivers who gave history of STD were less 35 year.Out of 1600, 52.8% had not heard about HIV/AIDS.23.7% considered themselves also as high risk group.
Conclusions: It appears that in the transport industry the accepted norms of life are totally different from those of general population.Habits,addictions and visit to prostitutes are routinely crried out but its consequences are not thought of.So,it becomes necssary ,how the information regarding HIV/AIDS and STD be disseminated among them.
The 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment
Abstract no.
WePe10.5P01
Suggested Citation
"BhallaS., et al.
High risk behaviour and various practices of truck drivers regarding HIV/AIDS and STD.
Poster Exhibition:
The 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment:
Abstract no.
WePe10.5P01"
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