Factors associated with buying sex and the knowledge that condoms prevent HIV among long-distance truck drivers at Kazungula weighbridge terminal, Chobe District, Botswana

Abstract

Background: Long-distance truck drivers (LDTDs) have a higher rate of HIV infection compared to the general population. This is due to their living and working conditions which predispose them to riskier sexual behaviours. Inadequate knowledge of HIV and AIDS, coupled with risky sexual behaviours such as unprotected sex with commercial sex workers (CSWs), predisposes LDTDs to contract and propagate HIV. This study aims to determine the factors associated with buying sex and the knowledge that condoms prevent HIV transmission among long-distance truck drivers at Kazungula weighbridge terminal in the Chobe District of Botswana. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was employed and 399 LDTDs participated. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and information on knowledge of HIV and AIDS and the sexual behaviours of the LDTDs. Results: The results reveal that more than half of the LDTDs (56.9%; n = 227) had paid for sex with CSWs at some point in their travels, and 27.1% (n = 108) reported having had unprotected sex with CSWs. The LDTDs who preferred to have sex with CSWs without a condom had about five times the odds of buying sex with CSWs than those who preferred to use a condom (AOR 4.9; 95% CI 2.85–8.46). Disliking condom use was a factor contributing to less knowledge of condom use preventing HIV among the LDTDs (AOR 0.4; CI 0.17–0.97). Conclusion: It can be concluded from the results of this study that the LDTDs engage in considerable risky sexual behaviours, and associated factors were found to be multidimensional. This population remains of concern in HIV acquisition and transmission. Therefore, there is a need for a robust public health response to deal with the problem of both new infection and re-infection with HIV in this population.