Prevalence and Risk Factors for Chlamydia trachomatis Infection Among Cross-Border Truck Drivers in Hong Kong

The researchers designed the current study to determine the prevalence and risk factors for chlamydial infection among cross-border truck drivers.

The subjects of the study were 225 cross-border truckers based in Hong Kong. The drivers were screened for chlamydia, and associations between infection and potential risk factors were determined by a questionnaire.

A total of 8.5 percent of the truck drivers were positive for chlamydial infection. Sixty-two percent reported recent sex with commercial sex workers (CSW), and of these 39 percent reported not using condoms. Among drivers with extramarital sex partners (ESP), 75 percent also patronized CSW, and 47 percent reported not using condoms with the CSW. Symptoms were reported by 43.3 percent of PCR-positive drivers. After adjustment, no risk factor was associated with chlamydial infection, though "had sex with ESP" approached significance.

"The prevalence of chlamydial infection among cross-border truck drivers was not strikingly high, although drivers engaged in sex with both ESP and CSW, with many admitting unprotected intercourse. The findings highlight the importance of promoting safe sex to truck drivers," the authors concluded.

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