Comparative study on sero-prevalence and risk factors of HIV/AIDs between intra-city and long-distance commercial drivers in Kano State

Background: the transportation industry is primarily a male-dominated industry, of which drivers are at risk of contracting HIV. They spend a lot of time away from their wives or partners due to the nature of their occupation. Identifying risk factors of HIV among both the long distance and intra-city commercial drivers could provide strategies for effective prevention and control.
Aim: this study assessed the Sero-prevalence and risk factors of HIV infection among commercial drivers in Kano Central Senatorial District.
Method: Cross-sectional comparative study design was used. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 434 study participants from each category.
Results: a total of 407 LDDs and 418 Intra-city drivers participated in the study. The mean and standard deviation of age of the respondents in the LDDs and Intra-city drivers groups were 42.3± 11.2 and 42.0 ± 11.3 years respectively. The sero-prevalence of HIV between LDDs and Intra-city drivers was found to be 12.5% and 6.7% respectively. The LDDs were two times at risk of being HIV Sero-positive (OR=2.00 95% CI of OR 1.20 – 3.33, p<0.05) than the Intra-city drivers. On adjusting for the confounding effects for LDDs group using logistic regression analysis, the risk factors for HIV were marital status of single [AOR=4.25; (95% CI: 1.97- 9.31)] and separated [ AOR=6.07; (95% CI: 5.26-16.45)], monthly income [>100,000.00 AOR=6.11; (95% CI: 1.53-41.97)] and history of extra-marital sex [AOR=4.01; (95% CI: 6.07-10.43)]. While on adjusting for the confounding effects for Intra-city drivers group using logistic regression analysis, educational status [post-secondary AOR=0.33; (95% CI: 0.16-0.89)], marital status [separated AOR=3.00; (95% CI: 5.26-16.33)], working experience [ 11-20 years AOR=4.10; (95% CI: 1.19-18.25)], history of extra-marital sex [AOR=4.97; (95% CI: 6.07-10.43)] and use of drugs or alcohol [AOR=3.98; (95% CI: 2.04-12.43)].
Conclusion: the establishment of STI clinics in strategic locations, as well as making condoms available, accessible, affordable, and acceptable for use by this group of people in our society, should all be part of the prevention strategy. Government and all key stakeholders must take appropriate measures to educate this occupational group in order to change and improve their sexual behaviors.