Use of time-location sampling for systematic behavioral surveillance of truck drivers in Brazil.
We assessed HIV-related risk behavior in a time-location sampling (TLS) interviewer administered survey of male truck drivers at the crossroads of two of the major highways used for trucking in Northeast Brazil (N = 686). Overall, 21.3% had sex while on the road (2.8% unprotected); 12.3% had sex with commercial sex workers (1.4% unprotected); 1.8% had sex with hitch-hikers (0.3% unprotected). Unprotected sex with non-wife partners while on the road was independently associated with stimulant use, lack of religious affiliation and being separated or divorced. Stimulant use may be a particular occupational hazard associated with risk for HIV among truck drivers in Brazil and should be considered as a point of intervention. The TLS sampling approach can form the basis of systematic behavioral surveillance in this highly mobile population.
Ferreira
Luiz Oscar Cardoso
LO
Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
de Oliveira
Eniel Sabino
ES
Raymond
H Fisher
HF
Chen
Sanny Y
SY
McFarland
Willi
W
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000635:transmission; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014186:Transportation; D000078329:Workforce