Correlates of HIV Knowledge and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Female Military Personnel

• DOI: 10.1007/s10461-010-9701-4
• Publication Date: 2010-04-12T14:29:46Z
• Authors: E. James Essien; Emmanuel Monjok; Hua Chen; Susan Abughosh; Ernest Ekong; Ronald J. Peters; Laurens Holmes; Marcia M. Holstad; Osaro Mgbere
• Keywords: Health psychology; Cross-sectional study

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 2008. 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 infected with HIV/AIDS were significant (P < 0.05) predictors of HIV knowledge in this sample. HIV prevention self-efficacy was significantly (P < 0.05) predicted by annual income and race/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.