Consistent Condom Use during Casual Sex among Long-Truck Drivers in Togo.

Yaya, Issifou; Landoh, Dadja Essoya; Saka, Bayaki; Vignikin, Kokou; Aboubakari, Abdoul-Samadou; N'dri, Kouamé Mathias; Gbetoglo, Kodjo Dodji; Edorh, Atavi-Mensah; Ahlegnan, Komla; Yenkey, Holali Comlan; Toudeka, Ayawavi Sitsopé; Pitché, Palokinam · 2016 · DOAJ

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153264

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Summary

This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of consistent condom use during casual sex among long-distance truck drivers in Togo, a population identified as high-risk for HIV transmission. Despite high levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge within this group, previous data indicated significant resistance to condom use. The research aimed to document updated behavioral patterns and identify specific factors associated with consistent protection to inform national HIV prevention strategies. The researchers conducted an analytical cross-sectional survey in 2010, targeting truck drivers and helpers at eleven transshipment locations along Togo’s two main migratory roads: Lomé-Cinkassé and Kodjoviakopé-Sanvee Condji. A total of 1,782 male participants were interviewed via face-to-face questionnaires. The study defined consistent condom use as using a condom during every sexual intercourse with casual partners (partners other than a wife or regular stable partner) over the preceding three months. Data analysis involved bivariate tests and multivariate backwards stepwise logistic regression to identify independent predictors of consistent condom use, controlling for variables such as age, education, HIV knowledge, testing status, and risk perception. The results revealed that only 34.8% (620 out of 1,782) of the truck drivers consistently used condoms during casual sex in the last three months. While 70% of the participants reported having multiple sexual partners, the majority did not practice consistent protection. Multivariate analysis identified five significant predictors associated with higher likelihoods of consistent condom use. Drivers with primary education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.56) and secondary or higher education (aOR = 1.34) were more likely to use condoms consistently compared to those with no schooling. Additionally, drivers with complete knowledge of HIV transmission routes (aOR = 1.53), those who had undergone HIV testing (aOR = 1.67), and those with a strong perception of their own HIV risk (aOR = 1.44) demonstrated significantly higher rates of consistent use. Duration in the profession also played a role, with drivers having two to five years of experience (aOR = 1.43) and more than five years (aOR = 1.38) showing increased consistent use compared to those with less than two years of experience. The study concludes that consistent condom use remains low among truck drivers in Togo, contributing to their status as a key population for HIV spread. The findings highlight that education, comprehensive HIV knowledge, prior HIV testing, professional experience, and accurate risk perception are critical drivers of protective behavior. The authors recommend that national HIV/AIDS control programs strengthen prevention interventions by establishing counseling centers and HIV testing facilities at truck stops. These measures aim to leverage the identified predictors to improve condom adoption rates and reduce HIV transmission risks within this mobile workforce.

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• truck driver fatigue