Minibus taxi drivers’ sexual beliefs and practices associated with HIV infection and AIDS in KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Risky sexual behaviours in South Africa are a major contributing factor to the spread of HIV infection and AIDS. HIV infection amongst minibus taxi drivers is a concern, because these people belong to an occupational group that exhibits risky behaviours due to the demands of their work. Given the high vulnerability of minibus taxi drivers, exploring the sexual beliefs and health-related sexual practices of this group will assist in planning targeted interventions. The objectives of this study were to assess the level of knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding HIV infection and AIDS amongst minibus taxi drivers. An exploratory descriptive study was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire to explore and describe sexual beliefs and practices associated with HIV infection and AIDS in a convenience sample of 175 minibus taxi drivers. Permission to undertake the study was obtained from the KwaZulu-Natal Taxi Alliance and individuals who participated in the study. Data analysis were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 13.0. The study revealed that minibus taxi drivers are one of the high- risk groups in the spread of HIV infection and AIDS; they lack necessary education and need attention in relation to control and prevention of the spread of HIV and AIDS. Multiple sexual partners are relatively common amongst the minibus taxi drivers. Violence against women and even forceful sexual intercourse in the belief that women should tolerate it to keep the family together was reported. There is a need for intervention programmes with a focus on minibus taxi drivers and similar high-risk groups. Prevention activities should incorporate the distribution of condoms amongst this group and HIV prevention educational programmes, as well as creating mechanisms for accessing circumcision by the minibus taxi drivers.

Health assessment of taxi drivers in the city of Tshwane

“…Ncama et al . ( 2013 ) confirmed that the taxi industry forms the backbone of the public transport industry and accounts for the bigger chunk of daily public commuting. It is therefore important to ensure that taxi drivers remain healthy to the benefit of themselves and their passengers.…”

Intentions to use patient-initiated partner notification and acceptability of provider-initiated partner notification for Sexually Transmitted Infections – A cross-sectional survey among minibus taxi drivers in Gauteng Province, South Africa

“…Usually, sex workers and truck drivers are regarded as the highest risk for STI and HIV transmission and minibus taxi drivers are reported as another important vulnerable category [20, 21]. HIV infection amongst minibus taxi drivers is a concern, because of the occupational demand of being away from their families for long times and in some cases being exposed to unhealthy environment and falling prey to unhealthy sexual practices [21]. Minibus taxi drivers are identified as a high-risk population group with an increased risk of HIV infection because the minibus industry is characterized by a high level of migration, low level of education and stressful working conditions.…”

“…Minibus taxi drivers are identified as a high-risk population group with an increased risk of HIV infection because the minibus industry is characterized by a high level of migration, low level of education and stressful working conditions. Moreover, the focus of existing research has been on the assessment of HIV infection and AIDS in the transport industry amongst truck drivers, but not in the minibus industry in Gauteng province and in, South Africa generally [21]. Men in the transport industry have high sexual risk behaviors and low HIV risk perceptions, which have implications for STI transmission [21, 22].…”

“…Moreover, the focus of existing research has been on the assessment of HIV infection and AIDS in the transport industry amongst truck drivers, but not in the minibus industry in Gauteng province and in, South Africa generally [21]. Men in the transport industry have high sexual risk behaviors and low HIV risk perceptions, which have implications for STI transmission [21, 22]. Furthermore, minibus taxi drivers have poor access to health screening facilities because of the nature of their work, which may have an impact on STI treatment and PN [23].…”

“…Furthermore, minibus taxi drivers have poor access to health screening facilities because of the nature of their work, which may have an impact on STI treatment and PN [23]. Being highly mobile or travelling long distances impact on the ability of the patient to be able to reach the sexual partner for referral for STI treatment [21].…”