Evidence-based recommendations for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections in the Angolan Armed Forces: challenges and opportunities at the end of 30 years of war

The goal was the development of culturally sensitive, evidence-based recommendations for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention for Angolan soldiers. Eight focus groups (N = 68) were conducted with Angolan soldiers in 2002. Qualitative data were analyzed for soldiers' HIV/sexually transm...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Military medicine 2005-04, Vol.170 (4), p.327-332
Main Authors: Ortiz, Daniel J, Bing, Eric G, Boyer, Cherrie B, Russak, Simcha M, De Deus, Francisco Joao, Ernesto, Francisco
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Angola
Armed forces
Condoms - statistics & numerical data
Health Behavior
HIV Infections - prevention & control
Humans
Male
Military Personnel
Risk Factors
Risk-Taking
Sexually Transmitted Diseases - prevention & control
Warfare
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Summary:The goal was the development of culturally sensitive, evidence-based recommendations for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention for Angolan soldiers. Eight focus groups (N = 68) were conducted with Angolan soldiers in 2002. Qualitative data were analyzed for soldiers' HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs)-related knowledge and behaviors. More than 37% of participants reported having more than one sexual partner at the time of the study. Many soldiers had little knowledge regarding HIV/STI transmission and symptoms, and most did not use condoms. Soldiers identified the following factors that need to be addressed in HIV/STI prevention campaigns among military personnel: lack of HIV awareness and knowledge, limited condom availability and use, heavy alcohol use before sex, and the tendency to have multiple sexual partners. Recommendations for prevention in the Angolan military are presented. A multifaceted HIV prevention program for the Angolan military that addresses informational, interpersonal, and system-level barriers must be implemented now.
ISSN:0026-4075
1930-613X
DOI:10.7205/MILMED.170.4.327