Prevalence and risk factors for HIV infection in truck drivers: a systematic review of global evidence

In this study, 23 original articles that met the eligibility criteria were reviewed. All articles were cross-sectional studies in which a total number of 16,315 truck drivers were studied to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of HIV infection. Findings indicated high HIV seroprevalence among truck drivers, with the highest prevalence of 56% in South Africa. HIV/AIDS awareness and condom use among truckers were reported low. Having sex with other men, circumcision status, time away from home, marital status, years working as a truck driver, education, income, and drug/alcohol use are the most important risk factors for HIV in truck drivers. Longer time on the road can increase the risk of infection by creating conditions for unsafe sex, in particular, having sex with other men. Low socioeconomic status exacerbates the condition. HIV risk-reduction interventions for long-distance truck drivers are necessary to enhance the awareness of sexually transmitted infections and introduce protective measures such as condoms.PMID:38206792 | DOI:10.24875/AIDSRev.23000010
Source: AIDS Reviews - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Source Type: research