Determinants of risky sexual behaviour by South African construction workers

Risky sexual behaviour is a significant contributor to HIV infection and re-infection. In South Africa, HIV prevalence is among the highest in the world. The construction industry is particularly affected, but little is known about risky sexual behaviour among construction workers and the factors that influence it. To explore this, data were gathered from 512 site-based workers in the Western Cape. A theoretical model postulating the determinants of risky sexual behaviour was proposed and tested using regression analysis and structural equation modelling. The findings indicated that age, gender, acquaintance with an HIV+ person, drug usage, and level of AIDS-related knowledge were direct determinants of risky sexual behaviour, with higher levels of education, ethnicity, and acquaintance with an HIV+ person each predicting better AIDS-related knowledge. Alcohol consumption and drug usage were positively associated. Recommendations for more targeted workplace interventions are proposed.