Original scientific paper
On the Road: Croatian Truck Drivers, Commercial Sex and HIV/AIDS
Valerio Baćak
Damir Šoh
Abstract
The primary aims of this study were to examine Croatian truck drivers’ sexual contact with sex workers, estimate the
frequency of condom use, and assess knowledge of HIV/AIDS within this population. The research was conducted from
June 14 to September 16, 2005 at customs offices and accompanying parking lots in four Croatian cities. The sample consists
of 69 truck drivers. Information about sexual behavior and condom use were gathered by using a semi-structured
interview. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, measured with a self-administered questionnaire, was found to be low. Six respondents
(8.7%) had correctly answered all 13 questions. By contrast, 73% of drivers considered themselves well informed
about HIV/AIDS, indicating that most drivers overestimate their knowledge. The majority of respondents (n=62) assumed
that most of their colleagues engage in sexual contact with sex workers while on the road, although only one third
of respondents reported that they personally have paid for sex. All of the respondents who reported engaging in sexual
contact with sex workers stated that they always use condoms. Fear of being infected with a sexually transmitted infection
was reported as the main reason for condom use.
Keywords
HIV/AIDS; truck drivers; condom use; sex workers; knowledge of HIV/AIDS
Hrčak ID:
27695
URI
Publication date:
25.4.2006.
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