Adoption of Preventive Measures and HIV/AIDS: Assessment of Behavior and Practices among Long Haul Truck Drivers in Pakistan

Abstract

The core objective of the study was to explore behavior and practices of long haul truck drivers regarding adoption of preventive methods in order to minimize the risks of HIV infection. In this connection only 200 truck drivers were interviewed those were involved in physical encounters with commercial sex workers. The study has been theoretically linked with KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices) model. The findings of the study divulged that majority of the respondents had heard about HIV/AIDS but they were not incomplete knowledge about its routes of transmission. Moreover, no significant association was explored with regard to different variables namely marital status, ethnicity and age group in the context of condom use as a preventive strategy. It was also found that overwhelming majority of research subjects were not using condoms at all as well as did not consider it as effective preventive technique. Almost one third truckers were of the view that use of condom would minimize real sensual pleasure and majority of respondents considered the use of condom as a part of family planning strategy. Another perplexing findings were unearthed that majority of respondents did not cultivate any fear about lethal consequences to be infected with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, it was divulged that even a single research subjects did not bother to get tested for HIV and STDs (Sexually transmitted diseases).Finally, it was concluded that lack of knowledge and inappropriate consumptions of media were held responsible for not adopting universal principles of safe sex.