HIV seroprevalence, associated risk behavior, and alcohol use among male Rwanda Defense Forces military personnel.
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.
Naval Health Research Center, Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA 92106, USA. judith.harbertson@med.navy.mil
Judith
J
Harbertson
Michael
M
Grillo
Eugene
E
Zimulinda
Charles
C
Murego
Stephanie
S
Brodine
Susanne
S
May
Marcellin
M
Sebagabo
Maria Rosario G
MR
Araneta
Terry
T
Cronan
Richard
R
Shaffer
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D015528:HIV Seroprevalence; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012432:Rwanda / Q000453:epidemiology; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult