Sero-prevalence and risk factors of HIV/AIDS among long distance commercial drivers in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Migration and mobility have contributed significantly in the spread of Human- Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) globally: more especially among transport corridors. Identifying risk factors of HIV among long distance drivers (LDDs) could provide strategies for more effective preventive intervention. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study design that used multistage sampling technique to select four hundred and thirty-four study participants. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information and blood for HIV testing. The mean and standard deviation of age of the respondents were 42.3±11.2 years. The sero-prevalence of HIV was 12.5% (95%CI: 8.8-16.3%). On adjusting for confounding effect 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 extramarital sex [AOR=4.01; (95% CI: 6.07- 10.43)]. Establishment of clinic for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in a strategic location, scaling up of condom distribution, and effective behavioural change communication were recommended in order to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV infection.