Female sex workers (FSWs) and truckers in the Terai region have been identified as key group populations in HIV/STD prevention plans for Nepal. To better understand the interactions between these two groups, a cross-sectional study of sex workers and truckers was conducted in 2000 along the highway routes in the Terai to determine the HIV/STD rates, in particular syphilis. More than 400 sex workers from four representative sites in the Terai and 400 truckers from one central location were enrolled in the study.

Results show alarming data

The significant findings among the sex workers included:

• 50% had at least one STD, including 20% with syphilis.
• The HIV rate was 4%, 2.5 times higher than truckers.
• 17% had worked in India, but 75% of the HIV cases were from this group.
• 70% of their clients were truckers.

The significant findings among the truckers included:

• 75% reported having sex with a sex worker.
• 10% had at least one STD, including 5.3% with syphilis.
• The HIV rate of 1.5% was 5 times higher than found in the general public.
• STDs were associated with older, married men with no formal education.

Study predicts climbing HIV rates

The implications of these findings include:

• Continued increase in HIV rates among female sex workers, and an increased HIV rate among clients.
• Increased secondary transmission of HIV to steady or regular sex partners of truckers.
• Increased rates of HIV infection among the general population.

Researchers also fear the high syphilis rates among the truckers and sex workers will lead to 1/3 of those developing tertiary syphilis and its fatal health effects.

To learn more, download the PDF file.