Assessment of condom use among Bolivian truck drivers through the lens of social cognitive theory

Abstract

This study demonstrates that Bolivian long distance truck drivers are a high risk population of HIV infection and transmission, supporting other global studies involving truck drivers and their high risk. The aims of this investigation were to estimate the prevalence of high risk behaviors and to identify predictors of condom use in this population. Analysis was completed on survey results from 246 male truckers (aged 18-67). About one in three of the truck drivers (30%) reported having had a sexually transmitted infection sometime in their past. More than half (56%) reported having sex with casual partners. Other risks involved unprotected anal sex. Age and two social cognitive constructs (outcome expectations and perceived social norms) predicted condom use from logistic regression analysis. The authors discuss the need for expanded HIV/sexually transmitted infection prevention programs that incorporate social cognitions.