Behavior Change Communication Strategies on Human Immunodeficiency Virus /Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Risk...

BackgroundLong-distance truckers (LDTs) not only experience heightened risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections due to risky sexual networks, but are also hard to reach with consistent risk reduction messages due to their often disruptive work schedules. Besides, evidence of the existing behavior change communication (BCC) strategies to enhance HIV/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) risk reduction is limited. Thus, the study sought to explore the most effective and preferred BCC strategies for adoption among LDTs in Kenya.Methods and MethodologyNine key informants and 18 in-depth interviews were used to gather qualitative data from purposively sampled participants at Kenya's Busia and Namanga border points. A thematic analysis was conducted using a hybrid of inductive and deductive approaches, through the Qualitative Data Analysis Miner (QDA-Miner) software for QDA.ResultsAlmost half of the key informants (44%) were aged 25-34, whereas half of the in-depth interviewees were 35-44 years old. Media-based communication channels were the most common and accessible. Other BCC strategies included interpersonal communication and healthcare worker service-driven strategies, peer-led open discussions and shared experiences on HIV/AIDS risk reduction, outreach activities to reach more of the underserved LDTs, and non-governmental organization (NGO)-driven approaches to fill gaps left by the public healthcare systems.ConclusionMedia-based communication channels were the most common BCC strategies. However, a combination of interpersonal communication, peer-led services, outreach activities, and NGO-driven approaches played a key role in enhancing the HIV/AIDS risk reduction message reach to the LDTs.