Correlates of HIV knowledge and sexual risk behaviors among female military personnel

Uniformed services personnel are at an increased risk of HIV infection. We examined the HIV/AIDS knowledge and sexual risk behaviors among female military personnel to determine the correlates of HIV risk behaviors in this population.

The study used a cross-sectional design to examine HIV/AIDS knowledge and sexual risk behaviors in a sample of 346 females drawn from two military cantonments in Southwestern Nigeria. Data was collected between 2006 and 2007. Using bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression, HIV/AIDS knowledge and sexual behaviors were described in relation to socio-demographic characteristics of the participants.

Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that level of education and knowing someone with HIV/AIDS were significant [p < 0.05] predictors of HIV knowledge in this sample. Condom use self-efficacy was significantly [p < 0.05] predicted by annual income and ethnicity. Condom use attitudes were also significantly [p < 0.05] associated with number of children, annual income, and number of sexual partners.

Data indicates the importance of incorporating these predictor variables into intervention designs.

Affiliations

1. University of Houston, Houston, USA

   • Ekere Essien
   • , Osaro Mgbere
   • , Ernest Ekong
   • , Susan Abughosh
   •  & Emmanuel Monjok

2. Houston Department of Health and Human Services, Houston, USA

   • Osaro Mgbere

3. Institute for Health Research and Development, Lagos, Nigeria

   • Ernest Ekong

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ekere Essien.

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