Long-haul truck drivers are involved in higher risk behaviors, including high-risk sexual behaviors and drug and alcohol use
, according to a study released by the New Mexico Department of Health. The study results call for more comprehensive wellness programs accessible to truck drivers.

The study, "Risk Assessment and Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV, and Hepatitis Virus Among Long-Distance Truck Drivers in New Mexico," analyzed sexually transmitted infection, HIV and hepatitis C virus among 652 truck drivers between 2004 and 2006. The researchers conducted the study using mobile clinic vans at a large trucking terminal in Albuquerque, N.M., and at 10 truckstops throughout the state, according to a press release by the American Journal of Public Health, which published the results.

The study found that 21 percent of participants reported sex with sex workers or casual partners in the prior year. Driving alone, history of injection drug use and history of an STI were factors associated with high-risk sexual behaviors.

In addition, 14 percent said they had used drugs in the previous year, with 11 percent saying they had at some point in their past injected drugs.

Meanwhile, 8.5 percent, or 54 drivers, tested positive for hepatitis C. Alcohol consumption was indicated as a strong risk factor associated with the virus. The researchers point to patient education and behavior change to modify this consumption, according to the AJPH release.

"Our results suggest that drivers may benefit from HIV, STI and hepatitis prevention interventions embedded within comprehensive wellness programs that are convenient and easily integrated into the mobile environment of the trucking industry," the authors concluded.

The New Mexico study was conducted by Sarah Valway, Steven Jenison, Nick Keller, Jaime Vega-Hernandez and Donna Hubbard-McCree.