Promote Safe Sexual Behaviors among Three-Wheeler Drivers in Selected Three-Wheeler Parks in Anuradhapura Town, Sri Lanka Through a Health Promotion Approach

Abstract

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) can be seen as common infections around the world because of annual estimated number of STI cases has reached 448 million [8]. In this case Sri Lanka is also not an exception. Evidence shows that, Three-Wheeler Drivers (TWD) is an inter-mediate risk group for STIs in Sri Lanka. Bases of this situation, a Health Promotion intervention were applied to promote safe sexual behavior practices among TWD in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. A quasi-experimental design was used in Intervention (N=50) and control groups (N=44) which were selected from two districts by the means of similar socio-economic background. At the beginning, enthusiasm of intervention group on sexual well-being was improved. Thereby the provision was taken to discuss about determinants of unsafe sexual practices. Meanwhile, facilitated to identify perceptions as determinant factor of sexual well-being and to analyze behavior intervention is on sexual behaviors. Gradually, capacitated to design a mutually agreed mechanism to address and to measure changes. It was consisted of participatory discussions, facilitated with innovative tools. Statistical tests were applied to detect significant differences. Among selected seven behavior intentions, four have changed in significantly with compared to pre and post levels (p<0.05) of intervention group. Apart from that, five behavior intentions have changed in intervention group with compared to control group (p<0.05). Thirteen perceptions out of selected seventeen, have been changed significantly in intervention group (p<0.05). Eight perceptions on safe and unsafe sexual practices have been changed significantly in intervention group, compared to control group.