title: Long distance truck drivers. 2: Knowledge and attitudes concerning sexually transmitted diseases and sexual behaviour.
abstract: Three hundred and thirty seven truck drivers, in transit from Mombasa to destinations within east and central Africa were interviewed on their knowledge on AIDS and sex practices using a pre-defined questionnaire. Nearly all of them, 99% (3.7/321), had heard of AIDS through mass media and from friends. When asked for a definition of AIDS, 87% (336/485 responses) described it as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) which causes body wasting and death. The majority were aware of the correct risk reducing behaviours: 76% (228/300) knew that use of condoms can prevent the transmission/acquisition of STDs but only 32% (90/295) had ever used them. This was in spite of the fact that 61% (226/309) admitted to visiting prostitutes. Various reasons were given for not using condoms. About 32% (34/188) claimed that they did not sleep with prostitutes while 18% (34/188) did not see the need for using condoms. Condoms were unavailable to another 18% (34/188). The data obtained show a clear lack of correlation between the correct knowledge of AIDS and application in the prevention of acquisition and transmission of STD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Bwayo
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Mutere
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Omari
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Kreiss
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Jaoko
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sekkade-Kigondu
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Plummer
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003275:Contraceptive Devices, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D011477:Sex Work; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014186:Transportation