Research article

The attitude and perception of truck drivers screened for HIV virus to HIV/AIDS in a South West LGA in Nigeria

¹Mabayoje VO, ²Akinleye CA and *³Akindele RA

¹Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lautech teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun state, Nigeria

²Department of Community Health, Lautech Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun state, Nigeria

³Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lautech teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun state, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author E-mail: drakindele@yahoo.com; Tel: +2348033785643

Accepted 03 September 2014

Abstract

Objective: Truck drivers especially those exposed to long periods of absence from the home environment are more susceptible to HIV/AIDS than the general populace. This study is to determine the level of awareness and attitude of truck drivers to HIV/AIDS in the south west of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 long distance truck drivers were enrolled in this study employing the snowballing method. Previously verified questioneers were administered by trained counsellors after the drivers were screened for HIV antibody. This was done using three different types of reagents. Determine (Lot No 51289K100), UNI-GOLD (Lot No HIV2110076) and Stat-Pak (Lot No HIV031313). Results: Two percent were found to be HIV positive. It was found that awareness was high enough among them, 77% agreed to be familiar with HIV/AIDS. Majority of them obtained most of the information from the radio (55%). Condom use was low among all the respondents. Only 14% agreed to using condoms for every sexual encounter while 28% did not use condoms at all. The most aware were in the 40-49 year age group. Conclusion: There is need to improve condom use among this group of workers. Increased exposure and awareness to formal programmes aimed at prevention is urgently needed. There is also urgent need to increase the frequency of condom use.

Keywords: Sex, HIV AIDS, Truck Drivers, Condoms, Prevention