Ancelle-Park R, Dakhlia F, Truwant C, Hamelin P; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 1993 Jun 6-11; 9: 832 (abstract no. PO-D10-3684).

European Centre for Epidemiological Monitoring of AIDS, Paris, France.

AIMS. To study the knowledge-attitudes of French truck drivers related to HIV infection and their practices with prostitutes. METHODS. A questionnaire was administered to truck drivers in a centre for loading/unloading freight on the motorway in the suburbs to the north of Paris. RESULTS. 301 truck drivers, median age 34 years (range 20-59 years), were interviewed from February to June 1992. 257 (85.2%) live with a partner. 224 (74.4%) have been truck drivers for over 5 years, 93% undertake national or international journeys and 63% sleep out 4-5 times a week. Although modes of transmission are well-known, 55.5% believe transmission is possible by donating blood, 25% by toilet seats and 9.6% by meals prepared by an HIV+ person. 50% say they changed sexual behaviour since the AIDS epidemic, by increased use of condoms (57%), partner selection (33%) and reduction of number of partners (8%). 68% think their colleagues also changed behaviour [condom use (60.5%), partner selection 54.5%]. 21% have been tested at least once. 66 (22%) have regular (4.7%) or occasional (17.3%) sexual relations with prostitutes. 25.9% (28/108) of those having sexual relations with occasional partners or prostitutes had their last sexual contact with a prostitute and this during a professional trip for 82% (23/28). Condoms were used by 96% (27/28) and supplied by the prostitute herself for 82%. Sexual contact with an occasional partner took place during a professional trip for 37.5% (30/80) and condoms used by 39% (31/80). These were proposed in 37% (18/31) of cases and bought in 77% (24/34) by the truck driver himself. CONCLUSION. Truck drivers have good knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention. Although use of condoms with prostitutes seems to be the rule, during relationships with occasional partners condom use is far from systematic.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Attitude
• Behavior
• Condoms
• Disease Outbreaks
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
• Knowledge
• Paris
• Prostitution
• Questionnaires
• Safe Sex
• Sexual Behavior
• prevention & control

Other ID:

• 93337606

UI: 102206985

From Meeting Abstracts