HIV Infection in Long-Distance Truck Drivers in a Low Income Setting in the Niger Delta of Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence, and correlates of HIV infection among long-distance truck drivers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A total of one hundred (100) long-distance truck drivers aged between 21 and 60 years and mean age of 42.36 ± 5.23 years were screened for the presence of HIV antibodies. The results showed that, out of the total number screened 10 (10%) were positive for HIV while 90 (90%) were negative. The prevalence of HIV was significantly higher in the 31-40 years age group 6/26 (23%) compared to 1/13 (7.6%) in the 21-30 years age group and 2/37 (7.4%) in the 51-60 years age group (P = 0.04).The lowest prevalence of HIV occurred in the 41-50 years age group 1/24 (4.2%). HIV 1 was the predominant viral subtype among the subjects 9 (90%) while 1 (10%) had HIV-2. None of the HIV-positive subjects had dual HIV 1 and 2 infections. The mean CD4 lymphocyte count for subjects positive for HIV was 380 ± 68.0 (range 312-448 cells/μl) while CD4 count for HIV negative subjects was 780 ± 76 cells/μl (range 704-856 cells/μl. A significant negative correlation was observed between HIV positivity and CD4 count r = -0.010 (P = 0.01). It is recommended that intensive preventive measures be instituted coupled with the implementation of a vigorous enlightenment campaign targeting behavioral change from high risk culture among truckers. Efforts are urgently needed to provide access to sexual health education, treatment services and HIV testing facilities to reduce their vulnerability to HIV infection.

Knowledge, attitudes & barriers to condom use among female sex workers and truck drivers in Uganda: a mixed-methods study

“…The prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among FSWs remains high in most settings, with HIV prevalence of 33-37% reported among Ugandan FSWs 3,4 . Studies show that truckers engage in sex with multiple sexual partners along the transport routes that they ply, usually without using condoms 5,6 . As a result, HIV prevalence among truckers is equally high, ranging from 10% in Nigeria 6 , 26% in Kenya 7 and 56% among truckers in Southern Africa 8 .…”

The Role of Drinking Places in Enhancing Risky Sexual Behaviours and the Spread of HIV/AIDS amongst the Tiv People of Benue State, Central Nigeria

“…Other related studies have documented the impact of alcohol consumption on risky sexual behaviours in Nigeria [4,5] and elsewhere [6,7,8,9,10]. Nevertheless, the beehive of activities taking place in drinking joints such as verbal pornography, dancing, buying of fried or roasted meat and drinks for others, which facilitate sexual negotiations and risky sexual behaviours has not been previously reported.…”

“…Due to the high incidence rate of HIV infection in the country, there has been an upswing in the desire to examine distal factors to ascertain their contribution to the problem. Scholars who have examined the influence of alcohol on risky sexual behaviours in Nigeria [4,5] and elsewhere [6,7,8,9,10] have not considered drinking places as a component of their study. This paper examines the role of drinking places in enhancing risky sexual behaviours and the spread of HIV in Nigeria.…”

Challenges Associated with the Effective Management of HIV Infection in a Low Income Setting in Sub Saharan Africa: Case Study of Nigeria

“…Long distance truck drivers are vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases for several reasons; truckers are always on the move, have little or no access to sexual health services, migratory nature of their occupation often disconnect them from family and community, truck drivers rarely interact with orthodox medical practitioners and instead seek the help of quacks and home remedies to cure Sexually Transmitted infections (STIs) and many lack information about STIs and HIV/AIDS and their prevention. Previous report (Azuonwu et al, 2010) on a total of one hundred long-distance truck drivers in the Niger Delta of Nigerian aged between 21 and 60 years and mean age of 42.36 ±5.23 years that were screened for the presence of HIV antibodies indicated a prevalence of 10%. The prevalence of HIV was significantly higher in the 31-40 years.…”