HIV seroprevalence, associated risk behavior, and alcohol use among male Rwanda Defense Forces military personnel

AIDS Behav. 2013 Jun;17(5):1734-45. doi: 10.1007/s10461-012-0343-6.

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted among active-duty male soldiers, aged ≥21 years, in the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) and included an anonymous behavioral survey and HIV rapid testing to determine risk factors associated with HIV seroprevalence. Overall prevalence was 2.6 % (95 % CI: 1.84-3.66); personnel who were divorced, separated or widowed, served ≥6 years, never deployed, uncircumcised, reported STI symptoms, had ≥6 lifetime sex partners, or screened positive for harmful alcohol use (via Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) had higher HIV prevalence. Ever being divorced, separated or widowed (OR = 29.8; 95 % CI: 5.5-159.9), and STI symptoms (OR = 3.4; 95 % CI: 1.5-7.6) were significantly associated with infection, after multivariable adjustment, while circumcision was protective (OR = 0.4; 95 % CI: 0.2-0.9). Despite mobility and other factors that uniquely influence HIV transmission in militaries, RDF prevalence was similar to the general population. A reason for this finding may be conservative sexual behavior combined with effective leadership-supported prevention programs. Data suggest a concentrated rather than generalized epidemic, with targets identified for intervention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology*
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Seroprevalence*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Military Personnel / psychology*
  • Military Personnel / statistics & numerical data
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Rwanda / epidemiology
  • Unsafe Sex / psychology*
  • Unsafe Sex / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult

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