HIV/AIDS-related sexual behaviour among commercial motorcyclists in Sagamu, South-West, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Commercial motorcyclists in Nigeria are predominantly young males with high risk behaviour for HIV/AIDS. They may have become a reservoir for the continued transmission of HIV but they are often neglected in efforts to control the disease. It is important to pay special attention to this group. Aim: To assess the awareness of HIV/AIDS and related sexual behaviour among commercial motorcyclists. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study of 300 commercial motorcyclists using a standardized structured questionnaire. Results: The primary school completion rate among the commercial motorcyclist was high (91.7%). Eighty four (44.7%) of the one hundred and eighty eight (188) married respondents were in polygamous relationship. The level of awareness of HIV/AIDS among the respondent was 94.0% while the prevalence of multiple sexual partnership was 81.0%. The regular condom use rate was 57% while only 8% of the respondents had done VCT. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of risk behaviour for HIV and hence increased predisposition to HIV/AIDS among commercial motorcyclists in Sagamu despite the relatively high level of awareness of the disease and the high rate of primary school completion.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, sexual behaviour, commercial motorcyclists, multiple sexual partners, voluntary counseling and testing