Heterosexual STI/HIV Risk Assessment among Bolivian Truck Drivers Using Mixed Methodology

In a study to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and sex behaviors in an occupation that facilitates high HIV transmission globally, 71 Bolivian truck drivers participated in a multiple method needs assessment, in four phases. In all phases, majority of truckers reported contact with casual sex partners. Fifty-two percent of truckers in the qualitative phases reported having had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and 27% indicated having anal sex with female partners. These data, combined with truckers demonstrating inconsistent STI/HIV knowledge and condom use, place Bolivian truck drivers and their spouses at risk for HIV/AIDS. Government and nongovernmental organizations need to increase efforts to include this population in prevention programs.