Condom use and other HIV risk issues among Nigerian soldiers: challenges for identifying peer educators

Abstract

Most Nigerian soldiers acknowledge the usefulness of condoms in HIV prevention, but few use them in sexual relationships. Identification of soldiers low in HIV-risk behaviours, particularly regular condom use, to function as peer educators appears desirable. We therefore sought to identify HIV-risk issues among a group of Nigerian soldiers. Male soldiers were more likely to be older, married and living alone than their female counterparts. Female soldiers had had better education than the males but, in spite of that, alcohol use and sexual relationships in the context of alcohol were widespread with no difference between the genders. However, alcohol abuse as detected in 22-27% of the soldiers was more likely to be a male problem. Having more than one sex partner did not distinguish the male soldiers from the females. Consistent condom use was uncommon, found in only 16-20%, with no difference between genders. Married persons (more likely to be males) were more guilty of no or inconsistent condom use. Although this study has failed to recognise who might be potential peer educators based on their non-risky behaviours, it has highlighted some important inadequacies in the Army health education campaign programme with respect to HIV/AIDS issues. Large-scale interventions, including more extensive condom promotion, training large numbers of peer educators, promoting ingenious ways of female self-protection from the highly dominant males and encouraging further research have been advocated.

Modeling Covariates of Self-Perceived and Epidemiologic Notions of Risk for Acquiring STIs/HIV among Military Personnel: A Comparative Analysis

“…This scenario is also supported by earlier findings that alcohol and marijuana use are directly correlated with HIV risk perception among military personnel [9, 11, 12, 14, 35]. Such socio-environmental characteristics have been associated with high HIV/AIDS prevalence rates [36].…”

“…Nigerian military personnel, like other militaries in the world indulge in high-risk sexual behaviors, which put them at high risk of contracting STIs, including HIV, when compared to the general population. The prevalence rates in the Nigerian military have been estimated at 10-20% [11]. The military is a high-risk population because of its demographic constitution, social norms, and occupational exposures.…”

“…They are generally young, mostly single and sexually active, stay away from their families and home communities for extended periods of time, and are more likely to be influenced by peer pressure rather than social convention. Freed from the strictures of their normal social environments many engage in high risk behaviors such as anonymous, purchased or even coercive sex as a means of relieving the tension of loneliness [12, 13], including alcohol consumption, use of drugs and unprotected sex with multiple partners and commercial sex workers [11,12,14]. …”

Achievements and implications of HIV prevention programme among uniform service personnel: a systematic evaluation of HAF II project in Kogi state, Nigeria

“…From a broader perspective, other investigators have shown a positive relationship between alcohol and marijuana use and inconsistent condom use among Nigerian military personnel. 2,4 A few other reports have addressed the issue of HIV transmission among Nigerian military personnel. Most soldiers are young and sexually active with a sense of invulnerability that may lead to risky sexual behaviors and reduced condom use.…”

“…Most soldiers are young and sexually active with a sense of invulnerability that may lead to risky sexual behaviors and reduced condom use. 4 Soldiers are often deployed from home for extended periods of time, have a regular income and the opportunity for casual sex. 5 For instance, it has been reported that almost half of the military personnel that participated in the various peacekeeping operations admitted having sexual partners during their time away from home and with these sexual partners, only half of the respondents used condoms.…”