PERCEIVED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO AIDS AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS CONDOM USE AMONG LONG DISTANCE TRUCK DRIVERS IN IBADAN

Abstract

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrom (AIDS) has become a major public health problem since its discovery in 1981. Although studies on AIDS are being carried out in Nigeria, information is scanty about truck drivers. It has been recognised that the high mobility and lifestyles of truck drivers put them at special risk of contacting AIDS. This study was carried out among long distance truck drivers in Ibadan in order to assess their perceived susceptibility to AIDS and attitude towards condom use. All truck drivers (233) available at the period of study in all the trailer parks in Ibadan constituted the study population. A pretested questionnaire was used to obtain information on drivers, demographic characteristic, sexual behaviours, knowledge about AIDS, perceived susceptibility to AIDS, attitude towards condom use and use of condom. Results showed that there are 9 major traffic routes that are frequently used by the respondents. The major step-over towns on these routes include Makira, Kontagora (Niger State 65.7%); Eyenkorin, Ilorin, Jebba (Kwara State 49.4%) Kaduna, Zaria (Kaduna State 39.5%) and Gusau, Yauri (Sokoto state 30.5%). In these and other towns, many respondents 126(54.1%) claimed to have one or more girl/woman friends the majority (66.2%) of

whom are food sellers. While the level of AIDS awareness was high (94.4%), the respondents' perceived susceptibility to AIDS was low. Surprisingly, the number of respondents who use condom decreased from 33(15.5%) to 18(7.7%) after hearing about AIDS. Furthermore, more respondents (70.2%) use condoms mainly for pregnancy prevention but a few (29.9%) for preventing sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS. Both the correct knowledge of and attitude to condom use were low (32.4% and 9.0% respectively). Based on these findings it is suggested that AIDS education programme should be organized for truck drivers Including other at-risk groups especially foodsellers, petrol attendants, petty traders and hawkers at the various stop-over towns.