Sexually Transmitted Infections
Volume 85, Issue 1, 2009, Pages 27-29

Prevalence and risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis infection among cross-border truck drivers in Hong Kong (Article)

Leung P.H.M. , Boost M.V. , Lau J.T.F. , Wong A.T.Y. , Pang M. , Ng T.K. , Tong E.T.F.
  • a Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • b Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • c School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • d Infection Control Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • e AIDS Concern, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • f Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • g School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong kong, Hong Kong

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for chlamydial infection in cross-border truck drivers. Methods: 225 Hong Kong-based cross-border truck drivers were screened for chlamydial infection. Associations between infection and potential risk factors were determined by questionnaire. Results: 8.5% of drivers were positive for chlamydial infection. Of 62% of drivers reporting recent sex with commercial sex workers (CSW), 39% had not used condoms. 75% of drivers with extramarital sex partners (ESP) also frequented CSW and 47% of this group had not used condoms with CSW. 43.3% PCR-positive cases reported symptoms. No risk factor was associated with chlamydial infection after adjustment, although ''had sex with ESP'' approached significance. Conclusions: The prevalence of chlamydial infection among cross-border truck drivers was not strikingly high, although drivers engaged in sex with both ESP and CSW, with many admitting unprotected intercourse. The findings highlight the importance of promoting safe sex to truck drivers.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Automobile Driving sexual behavior human middle aged Sexual Partners travel priority journal driver Unsafe Sex Humans male risk factor Risk Factors questionnaire prostitution polymerase chain reaction prevalence Article Transportation adult major clinical study sexual intercourse Hong Kong Chlamydia Infections chlamydiasis Chlamydia trachomatis
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-61449242860&doi=10.1136%2fsti.2008.031880&partnerID=40&md5=3d642740d226f9e6366d29c9dbe72101
DOI: 10.1136/sti.2008.031880
ISSN: 13684973
Cited by: 5
Original Language: English