Sexually Transmitted Infections and Risk Factors Among Truck Stand Workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of selected sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their risk factors among workers in and near a truck stand in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Study Design: A random sample of 696 men and 206 women were recruited into a cross-sectional study using a census that enumerated transport agents, motor mechanics, laborers, and vendors in Tejgaon truck stand. Results: The prevalence rates of syphilis (rapid plasma reagin and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination), gonorrhea (polymerase chain reaction [PCR]), and chlamydial infections (PCR) among men were 4.1%, 7.7%, and 2.3%, respectively, and among women were 2.9%, 8.3%, and 5.2%. Multivariable analysis revealed that having >2 sex partners in the last month, never using a condom with sex workers, and ever injecting narcotics were significant predictors of STI among men. Being never married, working as a laborer, older age, and living

within the truck stand were significant predictors of practicing high- risk behaviors among men, but none predicted infection with STIs.

Conclusions: Both behavioral and STI data suggest that truck stand workers should be included in the STI/HIV intervention programs.