On the road again: concurrency and condom use among Uganda truck drivers

Afr J AIDS Res. 2015;14(2):117-25. doi: 10.2989/16085906.2015.1040810.

Abstract

Long-distance truck drivers have been shown to be a critical population in the spread of HIV in Africa. In 2009, surveys with 385 Ugandan long-distance truck drivers measured concurrency point prevalence with two methods; it ranged from 37.4% (calendar-method) to 50.1% (direct question). The majority (84%) of relationships reported were long-term resulting in a long duration of overlap (average of 58 months) across concurrent partnerships. Only 7% of these men reported using any condoms with their spouses during the past month. Among all non-spousal relationships, duration of relationship was the factor most strongly associated with engaging in unprotected sex in the past month in a multivariable analyses controlling for partner and relationship characteristics. Innovative intervention programs for these men and their partners are needed that address the realities of truck drivers' lifestyles.

Keywords: HIV/STI prevention; concurrency; condom; mobile population; sexual risk behaviour; sub-Saharan Africa.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Vehicles
  • Safe Sex / psychology
  • Safe Sex / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexual Behavior* / psychology
  • Sexual Behavior* / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexual Partners / psychology
  • Travel
  • Uganda
  • Unsafe Sex / psychology
  • Unsafe Sex / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult