Abstract

PIP: This article presents a study on the sexual lifestyle of long distance lorry drivers in India. Using a questionnaire survey method, a total of 5709 consecutive long distance lorry drivers were interviewed by three trained investigators between March 1994 and August 1994. Results showed that 87% (4949 men) of subjects were sexually promiscuous, of whom only 11% (563) used condoms during commercial sex. The percentage using condoms decreased with increasing age. In the 21-30 age group (n = 1766), 78% of unmarried sexually promiscuous men (331/425) reported having 31-60 sexual partners during the past 12 months. In addition, a significantly higher proportion of men over age 40, compared with men under age 21, were sexually promiscuous and abused alcohol and a lower proportion had AIDS knowledge (P 0.001). In the context of infection of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), responses of long distance lorry drivers suggest that they are highly vulnerable and are crucial in spreading STDs and HIV infection throughout the country in a short time. Thus, research is urgently needed to find effective strategies to persuade lorry drivers to change their risky sexual behavior.