THE RISK OF HBV AND HIV TRANSMISSION IN LONG-HAUL TRUCK DRIVERS IN EGYPT

Introduction In many countries Long-haul truck drivers and their commercial sex contacts (CCs) have been associated with the spread of blood born and sexually transmitted infections (STI). However, there is no sufficient information about the Blood born and STI risk behaviors of these populations in Egypt. We conducted this study to explore blood born and STI-related risk behaviors among the drivers in Tanta and Kafr El-Sheikh governorates, Egypt and to study their knowledge about HIV & STI transmission. Methods Between march and october 2014, we conducted face-to-face unstructured and semistructured qualitative interviews at trucking venues, health department facilities, and a community-based organization to solicit information on sexual behavior and condom and illicit drug use especially intravenous drugs. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, reviewed for quality control, and then coded and analyzed. Results Fifty long-haul truck drivers completed the interview. The truck drivers were male with a mean age of 40 years. Data suggested risky sexual behavior and drug use (i.e., inconsistent condom use, illicit drug use including intravenous drug use, and the exchange of sex for drugs) that could facilitate STI/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis virus transmission. Results also showed a low knowledge about STIs and lack of access to general health care for both populations. Fortunately, we found that all the drivers were seronegative for hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus. Conclusions Additional studies are needed to further assess risk of development and prevention of blood born and sexually transmitted diseases in long-haul truck drivers.