[Risk behaviors for sexually transmitted diseases among truck drivers in Brazil].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the frequency of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and associated risk factors based on self-reporting by long-haul truck drivers in Brazil.


METHODS
From October 2005-October 2006, 641 long-haul truck drivers that travel federal highway BR-153, traversing the country from south to north, were interviewed. A structured interview was used to collect sociodemographic data. The truck drivers also completed a self-administered questionnaire on risk behaviors and STD history. The data were adjusted and analyzed using logistic regression.


RESULTS
Of 641 drivers interviewed, 620 (96.7%) provided answers on STD history. Of these, 35.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 31.9-39.6) reported past or current STD. Being 30 years of age or older was statistically associated with having a history of STD. In addition, truck drivers who reported using amphetamines (odds ratio (OR) = 1.7; 95%CI = 1.1-2.6), having been incarcerated (OR = 2.2; 95%CI = 1.2-4.2), and sexual relations with sex professionals (OR = 1.9; 95%CI = 1.3-2.8) had increased odds for having a history of STD.


CONCLUSIONS
These results confirm that Brazilian truck drivers are highly vulnerable to STD and show the importance of prevention programs targeting this specific group, one that is constantly on the move and may efficiently disseminate STD.
Teles
Sheila Araujo
SA
Universidade Federal de Goiás, Faculdade de Enfermagem, Goiânia, GO, Brasil. sheila@fen.ufg.br
de Matos
Marcos André
MA
Caetano
Karlla Antonieta Amorim
KA
Costa
Ludmila Araujo
LA
França
Divânia Dias da Silva
DD
Pessoni
Grécia Carolina
GC
Brunini
Sandra Maria
SM
Martins
Regina Maria Bringel
RM