Summary Report: Behavioural Surveillance Survey in Healthy Highway Project, India: Part 4

Executive summary

THighways Project (HHP) HIV Risk Behaviour Surveillance Survey (BSS). This survey ^{his report is a summary of the methodology and findings of the Healthy} was part of the impact assessment of HIV prevention activities in the HHP and was conducted in the year 2000. Indian Market Research Bureau (IMRB), a leading market research agency, implemented the survey. The technical assistance was provided by Family Health International (FHI) and the funding was from Department for International Development (DFID).

The HHP-BSS intends to track trends in HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in sub-populations associated with the trucking industry, especially those at high-risk of acquiring HIV infection. The measurements of indicators obtained in this survey served as a baseline from which future trend could be measured. The core indicators on which data was collected were (a) behaviour indicators and (b) knowledge indicators.

The secondary indicators provided information on, among others, incidence of STI symptoms, treatment-seeking behaviour and practices related to condom use. These indicators were based on those recommended by WHO/UNAIDS for large scale AIDS programmes.

The study covered four segments – truck drivers, truck helpers, stationary workers and female sex workers (FSWs) operating exclusively on highways. The Research methodology comprised of four phases: (a) exploratory qualitative phase to develop structured interview questionnaires, (b) pilot interviews to test the questionnaires and interview approaches, (c) mapping study to develop sampling frame and (d) quantitative phase to collect the data for the main study. The survey instruments were translated into regional languages after extensive field testing.

Sample size

The sample sizes for the survey were 4,811 for truck drivers, 1,504 for FSWs, 1,200 for truck helpers and 1,201 for stationary workers. The sample sizes were adequate to detect a 15% change in behaviour among these segments.

Training

The field-team members (including managers, executives, team leaders and investigators) had been extensively trained to sensitise them to issues related to collecting information on sexual behaviour of the respondents. The training programme had also focused on basic facts on STIs and HIV/AIDS, and interviewing techniques for each target segment.

Key findings – all-India analysis

Key findings of the male segments

Demographic information: The median age for truck drivers was 31 years, for truck helpers was 23 years and was 29 years for stationary workers. A total of 84% truck drivers, 37% truck helpers and 68% stationary workers were married. Twenty-three percent truck helpers, 18% truck drivers and 20% stationary workers had said that they were illiterate.

Behavioural indicators: The proportion of respondents who reported having had sex with any kind of partner (married or other partners) during the preceding year ranged between 92% among truck drivers and 64% among truck helpers. Of these, the proportion of respondents reporting high-risk behaviour (defined as having sex with a FSW, non-regular partner or male partner) was highest among truck helpers. Forty-seven percent and 25% truck helpers had said that they had sex with FSWs and non-regular partners respectively. The same responses were given respectively by 36% and 12% truck drivers.

Number of commercial sexual partners during the preceding year: The median number of commercial sexual partners was 3 among truck drivers, 2 among truck helpers and 1 among stationary workers. A total of 22% truck drivers, 28% truck helpers and 45% stationary workers had reported having had one commercial partner during the preceding year.