Comparative Analysis of Safe Sex Knowledge and Practice among long Distance Truck Drivers at Tafa Village, Niger State and Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Abstract

Long-distance truck drivers have been identified to play a very vital role in the spread of sexually transmitted infections in developing countries, they travel across states ,across border trips, spend weeks away from home and engage in activities to cope with the stress of loneliness, satisfy their emotional needs without safe sex. This study was conducted among long distance truck drivers at Tafa village, Niger state and Gwagwalada of FCT to assess safe sex knowledge and practices among long distance truck drivers. The use of quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis was employed using structured questionnaires administered to 273 truck drivers by hand and by interview using interview guides. Data were analyzed using statistical power for social sciences (spss).  The study was designed to examine the safe sex knowledge and practices among long distance truck drivers in the selected stop over stations. The study examined the socio-demographic characteristics of the truck drivers such as sex, education, age and religion. The study revealed that there is little or no knowledge of safe sex with long distance truck drivers at Tafa village, Niger state and Gwagwalada stop over station of FCT. Infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to the nature of their occupation, difficult work environment, poor economic and living conditions. The findings revealed that there was little or no knowledge of safe sex with long distance truck drivers at Tafa village and Gwagwalada stopover station. Findings a revealed that self-esteem, having one partner, promoting social norms and skills for condom usage, communicating with your sexual partner about what you want and enjoy sexually, having knowledge about HIV/AIDs, constant use of condom, self-efficacy and seeking doctor and medical advice about safe sex knowledge and practice are determinants of safe sex practice. The knowledge of safe sex practices of long distance truck drivers in Tafa stop station are not different from that of Gwagwalada stop station. Based on the findings, it was recommended that information regarding all modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS and other STIs should be given due importance. Promotion of condom usage to truck drivers by involving transport company owners, truck drivers unions, Non-Governmental Organization should be implemented. Sensitization and awareness program should be organized mainly around their stop over station and neighbouring communities to impact the right information and knowledge about safe sex practices, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.