Sexual behaviour among truck drivers in Pakistan

This study examines the level of risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections among truck drivers and their helpers in Pakistan. Quantitative, self-reported, sexual behaviour data were collected from 300 randomly selected long-distance truck drivers and their helpers. Qualitative information was gathered through conversations with drivers. The findings show that multiple sexual partnerships with men and women are common among truckers. Awareness of AIDS and knowledge of sexual transmission of HIV is high. However, most truckers do not believe that AIDS exists in Pakistan. Nor are they aware that condoms are an effective way of preventing HIV transmission. Knowledge of the risks associated with unprotected sex is low among truckers, who consider themselves invulnerable to sexually transmitted infections because of their self-perception of being moral persons. Campaigns to increase risk awareness should emphasize the importance of condom use as an STI/HIV prevention method. Interpersonal communication is likely to be important in convincing truckers that sexually transmitted infections can be prevented.