Title: Multiple sexual partners and condom use among long-distance truck drivers in Thailand.

POPLINE Document Number: 120764

Author(s):

Podhisita C
Wawer MJ
Pramualratana A
Kanungsukkasem U
McNamara R

Source citation:

AIDS Education and Prevention, 1996 Dec;8(6):490-8.

Abstract:

A 1992 survey of 327 long-distance truck drivers in Thailand revealed a negligible sense of vulnerability to AIDS despite widespread contact with commercial sex workers (CSWs). The study was conducted in Saraburi--the site of three large cement factories. The drivers' median age was 33 years (range, 15-54 years); 83% were currently married. Seven men (2.3% seroprevalence) were infected with HIV. 87% of truck drivers reported encounters with a CSW at some point; for 48%, a CSW was their first partner. In the 6 months preceding the survey, 23% of men currently living with a spouse had contact with a CSW, 13% had sex with a noncommercial partner, and another 8% reported both types of extramarital encounters. 78% of drivers whose first CSW experience occurred before 15 years of age had visited a CSW in the past year compared with 41% of those whose first contact was at 16-18 years and 34.5% of those whose first contact occurred at age 19 years or above. Only 58.5% of truck drivers who reported CSW encounters in the year preceding the study used condoms consistently; 28% claimed occasional use and 14% never used condoms. Only 3% of drivers perceived themselves to be at high risk of HIV infection; 62% claimed to be at no risk. Common were misconceptions about AIDS; for example, 25% felt they could not get HIV from someone who looked healthy.

Keywords:

Thailand
Surveys
HIV Infections
AIDS
Sex Workers
Multiple Partners
Condom
Safer Sex
Risk Behavior
Developing Countries
Asia, Southeastern
Asia
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Sex Behavior
Behavior
Sexual Partners
Barrier Methods
Contraceptive Methods
Contraception
Family Planning