[HIV prevalence, associated risk factors and evolution among truck drivers from 2001 to 2007 in Guinea]

The purpose of this study was to estimate correlation between HIV prevalence and behavior at risk for infection among truck drivers in Guinea and to report the trends of these indicators from 2001 to 2007.

A total of 313 truck drivers in 2001 and 600 in 2007 were selected, interviewed and then tested for HIV infection. Data were analyzed with SAS Windows 9.2.

The prevalence HIV was 7.0% in 2001 and 5.3% in 2007 (p=0.30). Seroprevalence was positively correlated with monogamous marital status [prevalence ratio (PR)=10.00; p=0.02] in 2001, absence from home for longer than a month (PR=2.06; p=0.03), international hauls (PR=2.39; p=0.01), and alcohol consumption (RP=2.00; p=0.04) and negatively correlated with the ability to abstain in risk situations (PR=0.35; p=0.01) in 2007. Comparison of responses obtained in 2001 and 2007 showed a decrease in the number of casual sex partners (p<0.0001) and an increase in condom use (p<0.0001). Comparison also showed a decrease in the number of drivers who reported receiving counseling about HIV/AIDS from NGOs, state health care services and schools (p<0.0001).

These two surveys showed high HIV prevalence among Guinean truck drivers in both 2001 and 2007. Condom use increased between 2001 and 2007 but remained inadequate. The correlation between monogamous marriage observed in 2001 was not found in 2007 but other risk factors such as alcohol consumption, prolonged absence from home, and international hauls were observed. The ability to abstain from sex in risk situations was associated with lower seroprevalence. During the study period, a decrease was observed in the number of truck drivers who reported receiving HIV/AIDS counseling from NGOs, state health care services, or schools. Prevention activities against HIV/AIDS must be reinforced in this high-risk population.