Assessing HIV/AIDS Awareness and High Risk Behavior among Long Distance Truckers in Northern India.

Introduction and Objectives: India has one of the largest road networks of over 3.3 million Kilometers in the world with an estimated 5–6 million truckers, nearly half work on long-distance routes across the country. Truckers constitute a very high-risk group for acquiring as well as spreading of HIV/AIDS and STIs locally as well as over distant areas due to their over indulgence in promiscuity/paid sex and inconsistent use of condom. The present study was carried out to know the awareness level and prevalence of risk behavior among this bridge population of truckers so as to suggest/modify program interventions accordingly. Material and Methods: The study was carried out among long distance truckers plying on a National Highway No. 71 passing through Haryana. The calculated sample size was 216, at 95% confidence level with 10% allowable error (conservatively assuming promiscuity prevalence of 65%). Major halt points of trucker were identified and those halting at these points were interviewed after taking informed consent and building proper rapport. Inclusion criteria were age 18 to 55 years and more than a year in the occupation. The required information was recorded on a pre-tested semi-structured schedule and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS (version 10.0). Results: A total of 261 truckers were contacted. 43 (16.5%) denied participating in the study. Remaining 218 truckers participated and their average age was 29.6 years. 84.4% were literate and 61.5% were married. 93.7% truckers had heard of HIV/AIDS and were aware of its transmission through sexual route. 92.7% truckers were involved in extramarital or premarital sex. The average number of sexual partners (ever) other than wife was 22.6 and 3.6 in last six months. About one fourth of truckers used drugs also. Condom use rate among promiscuous was very low i.e. always (13.8%), most of times (9.2%) and occasionally (7.3%). Majority perceived their occupation more risky than HIV/AIDS. Fear caused because of recent deaths of their peers due to AIDS was the only deterrent for their indulging in promiscuity or forced them to think of using condoms. Conclusion/recommendations: In spite of enhanced awareness about HIV/AIDS, there was high prevalence of promiscuity with low condom use rate among long distance truckers. Enhanced focus on behavior change communication and addressing their occupational hazards and hardships can possibly change their risk behavior.