Three-wheeler drivers in Wattala urban council: does earning power depend on involvement with the commercial sex trade?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION _AND OBJECTIVES: National STD/AIDS programme estimated 3000 persons to be living with HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka in 2009. Three wheeler drivers have been identified to be vulnerable for contracting HIV/AIDS due to close associations with the commercial sex trade. The main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge regarding HIV among three wheeler drivers in Wattala Urban Councif. METHOD: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 350 three-wheeler drivers using a self-administered questionnaire. A score from 0-21 was given to respondents on their knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Correlation analysis was conducted. Results: Mean age of the study group was 33.45 + 9.31 years. A score of 3-4 (total 21) was obtained by 48.6% of respondents. 75 % of the respondents whose score was >10 were involved sexual relations or transportation of Commercial Sex Workers (CSW). 48% drivers were involved in transportation of CSWs, and 12.8% transported and provided their vehicle for CSW activities. 24% admitted to having sexual relationships with CSWs. Drivers earning Rs. 1500/- or more per day were 49.4 %, out of which 51.1% of drivers were involved in the commercial sex trade. Daily income was significantly associated with involvement with commercial sex trade. (r= 0.154, p=0.004). Respondents gained knowledge on HIV/AIDS by television/radio (74.5%), print media (48%) and internet (25.4%). CONCLUSION: Awareness of HIV/AIDS of the study group was at a low level. Majority of three wheeler drivers with a higher income did so by their involvement in the commercial sex trade.