STD in Bangladesh's trucking industry: prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

Objectives: This study characterises the prevalence of a broad spectrum of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (herpes simplex virus 2, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea), and examines associations between risk factors and infection in men working in Bangladesh's trucking industry. Given the high risk sexual behaviours of truck drivers and helpers in many contexts, as well as the direct health effects of STDs and their role in facilitating HIV transmission, it is important to understand the prevalence of STDs and associated risk factors in this population. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at Tejgaon truck stand, one of the largest truck stands in Dhaka, the capital city. The study group, comprising 388 truck drivers and helpers, was selected via a two tiered sampling strategy. Of 185 trucking agencies based at the truck stand, 38 agencies were randomly selected, and a mean of 10 subjects (drivers/helpers) were recruited from each agency. Urine and blood samples were collected from subjects after an interview about their lifestyle and a comprehensive physical examination. Gold standard laboratory tests were conducted for the detection of STD. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess associations between infections and potential risk factors. Results: The levels of prevalence of disease were HSV-2 (25.8%), serological syphilis (5.7%), gonorrhoea (2.1%), chlamydia (0.8%). For infection with any bacterial STD (syphilis, gonorrhoea, or chlamydia) the only significant risk factor was having sex with a commercial sex worker in the past year (OR=3.54; CI=1.29-9.72). For HSV-2, truck helpers working primarily on interdistrict routes were significantly more likely to be infected than drivers working on these routes (OR=2.51, CI=1.13-5.55). Conclusions:The high prevalence of HSV-2, and to a lesser extent syphilis, and the low levels of condom use despite high numbers of casual sexual partners, illustrate the importance of promoting condom use, particularly in commercial sexual encounters, to men in Bangladesh's trucking industry.

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Risk Factors Among Truck Stand Workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh

“…9 A study among truck drivers and helpers in Bangladesh reported that 54% of them had sexual relation with FSWs in the past year and had a higher prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (25.8%) and serologic syphilis (5.7%). 14 The prevalence of syphilis among men was 4.1%, being only slightly lower to that found among truckers (5.4%) in an earlier study in the Dhaka city 14 ; however, the prevalence rates of gonorrhea and chlamydial infection in this study were found to be higher. Both studies used nucleic acid amplification tests in diagnosing Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.…”

“…13 Studies conducted among truck drivers and helpers in Bangladesh revealed a high prevalence of sexual risk behaviors and certain STIs; 54% of the 388 truckers in the Tejgaon truck stand, one of the largest truck stands in Bangladesh, had sexual encounters with a commercial sex worker (CSW) in the past year, whereas 50% of the married males in the sample had sex with both a CSW and their wife during the same period. 14 Because truckers in Bangladesh, like in other countries, were found at higher risk for STI/ HIV, assessment of STI risk behaviors and infection status in bridging populations with close contacts with truckers remains important to guide targeted STI/HIV prevention intervention.…”

Risk behaviour, sexually transmitted infections and HIV among long-distance truck drivers: a cross-sectional survey along national highways in India

“…In fact, earlier studies in India [16,29] and other parts of South Asia [30] revealed associations between low condom use and STI prevalence, particularly HSV-2 and, to a lesser extent, syphilis.…”

Risk Assessment and Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV, and Hepatitis Virus Among Long-Distance Truck Drivers in New Mexico, 2004–2006

“…1,2 High rates of STIs and HIV have been observed among long-distance truck drivers in India and Bangladesh, where truck drivers are implicated in the spread of STIs and HIV into rural areas and areas surrounding international border crossings. [7][8][9][10][11] Results from studies in Eastern Europe suggest risky behavior and increased syphilis rates among truck drivers. 12,13 Additionally, studies among truck drivers in Brazil show low levels of perceived risk of infection despite high rates of syphilis and high levels of risky behaviors, e.g., unprotected sex with multiple partners, including commercial sex workers, and high levels of drug use.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Evidence suggests that the spread of HIV throughout central Africa was facilitated by truck traffic along the Kinshasa-Mombasa highway. 1,2 High rates of STIs and HIV have been observed among long-distance truck drivers in India and Bangladesh, where truck drivers are implicated in the spread of STIs and HIV into rural areas and areas surrounding international border crossings.…”