EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HIV-INFECTION AMONG LONG-DISTANCE TRUCK DRIVERS IN KENYA

A total number of two hundred eighty three long distance truck drivers and their assistants (loaders) who ferry goods between Kenya and Zair e were included in a cross-sectional study between September 1991 and April 1992, Twenty six percent of the study subjects were seropositive for HIV-1 and none were HIV-2 seropositive. Countries of birth and re sidence were significantly associated with HIV infection (X(2)=23.6, P =0.0006). Significant associations were also found between HIV seropos itivity and level of education from secondary school and above (OR=3.4 , 95% C.I.=1.01-11.55); being circumcised was more protective, (OR=0.3 8; 95% C.I.=0,19-0.76), history of many years of driving X(2)=9.3, p=0 .0254) and income (OR=11.13, 95% C.I.=1.35-91.95). When a stepwise mul tiple logistic regression model was fitted to all the variables observ ed to be significant in the univariate analysis, the following risk fa ctors attained statistical significance: lack of circumcision (OR=3.75 ); income greater than Ksh. 2000 (OR=7.24); being employed in long dis tance driving more than 11 years (OR=3.98); and secondary school educa tion and above (OR=4.06, 95% C.I.=1.18-13.98). Reference for all the a bove Odds Ratios was 1.