TITLE:
An Appraisal of Sexual Behaviors, STI/HIV Prevalence, and HIV Prevention Programs among Truckers in India: A Critical Literature Review
AUTHORS:
Damodar Sahu, Arvind Pandey, Ram Manohar Mishra, Niranjan Saggurti, Shekhar Setu, Indra Raj Singh
KEYWORDS:
Truckers, Sexual Behavior, HIV, Prevention Programs, India
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of AIDS,
Vol.4 No.2,
June
17,
2014
ABSTRACT: Background: A
systematic review portraying the changing pattern of sexual behaviors, STI and
HIV prevalence and key strategies curb HIV and STI among truckers in India is
lacking. This paper therefore aims to present a chronological review of
literature regarding sexual behaviors, STI/HIV prevalence, and various HIV
prevention programs implemented among truckers in India. Methodology: Published
and unpublished studies (1990-2011) were identified through electronic databases,
and hand searching. Results: Most studies on sexual behaviors and STI/HIV
prevalence among truckers focused only on drivers and ignored their helpers.
Evidences suggest that consistent condom use by truckers with both paid and
non-paid female partners has increased during the past decade. Many recent
studies suggest that the HIV prevalence among truckers is about 2% and it has
been declining slowly during the past decade. The HIV prevention programs among
truckers which started with the aim of raising awareness about HIV during early
1990s, have grown multi-folds to encompass not only the standard strategies
like mid-media events, interpersonal counselling and STI care for HIV
prevention, but also innovations such as the use of business franchisee models,
and integrated research and evidence based planning in the program. The possibilities
of using new approaches such as male circumcision and the use of pre-exposure
prophylaxes are underway. Conclusion: More studies are needed to explore helpers’
vulnerabilities to HIV. Very few studies have attempted to examine the impact
of large-scale prevention programs among truckers. Efforts are required to
examine the impact of different components of such programs to guide the HIV
prevention efforts among truckers in India.