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.
OBJECTIVE
The goal was the development of culturally sensitive, evidence-based recommendations for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention for Angolan soldiers.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Ortiz
Daniel J
DJ
Drew Center for AIDS Research, Education, and Services, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1651 E. 120th Street, Building E, Los Angeles, CA 90059 USA.
Bing
Eric G
EG
Boyer
Cherrie B
CB
Russak
Simcha M
SM
De Deus
Francisco Joao
FJ
Ernesto
Francisco
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000810:Angola; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014857:Warfare