Study of hiv prevalence in long distance truckers and impact of Targeted intervention programme

Background : Long-distance truck drivers were defined as truck drivers travelling to long
destinations from their point of origin (800kms). It is well documented that long-distance truck
drivers and their helpers (collectively referred to as truckers) play an important role in the spread of
sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in many parts
of the world, including India. Objectives:To know the prevalence of HIV in long distance truckers
and to assess the impact of targeted intervention programme among long distance truckers. Methods
and Result: Mobile ICTC team along with NGO counsellors counselled , asked questions and
collected samples of the truckers for HIV testing according to NACO guidelines . A total of 1607
truckers were contacted and interviewed. Of the truckers who participated in the study, 996 (61.97%)
were drivers, 611(38.03%) co-drivers (helpers). HIV prevalence of 1.43% was found in the truckers
in this study. HIV prevalence was less in those who were literate more than 10th standard (0.20% in
truck drivers), who had experience of less than 5 yrs (0.50% in truck drivers), those who used
condoms(0.60% in truck drivers) those who had interacted with HIV counselling programme earlier
(0.20% in truck drivers).Discussion: National prevalence of HIV in long distance truckers is 2.6%
and in our study the prevalence is found to be 1.43%, which is relatively low in comparison to other
studies. Several studies across the country have confirmed high HIV ((2%–16%) prevalence among
long-distance truckers.Conclusion:From this study we conclude that HIV prevalence is low in our
region in long distance truckers and it is due to targeted intervention programme.