With an average HIV prevalence rate more than two times higher than the general population, the Cameroon military is in need of effective HIV/AIDS prevention intervention programs. The aim of this study is to examine socio-demographic factors associated to condom use among military personnel through an existing HIV prevention program and offer recommendations for HIV prevention interventions to the Cameroon military.
Objectives: Analyze baseline condom use data collected from the 2005 HIV surveillance and behavioral study of the Armed Forces of Cameroon. Provide feedback to GVFI to effectively utilize this information for the 2009/2010 HIV/AIDS surveillance and intervention plan targeting the Armed Forces of Cameroon.
Methods: The data included responses from a behavioral questionnaire and blood samples (n=2154) obtained from military personnel in Cameroon. Estimated population proportions of condom use data were compared for each of the following socio-demographic variables: military region, age, gender, marital status, military rank, and religion. Chi-square analyses were utilized to test for significance within each socio-demographic variable. Multivariate logistical regressions were executed based on the significant findings of the chi-square tests. Statistical analyses were completed using SYSTAT 13 and SAS 9.2.
Results: Specific populations of military personnel demonstrated less condom use, including individuals from military Region 3, older personnel, women, married individuals, non-commissioned officers, and non-Christians.
Discussion: This research has shown that there is a relationship between certain socio-demographic characteristics and lower reported rates of condom use. This information can be utilized for the new HIV/AIDS intervention prevention plan (2009/2010) targeting the Cameroon military.
Conclusion: Training of trainers and peer educator programs targeting specific populations within the military can have an effect on decreasing the current STI/HIV prevalence rate. A multi-dimensional approach that focuses on intensive education at all levels of the military, outreach that includes condom distribution and counseling, and the availability of HIV testing is essential in creating the most effective HIV/AIDS prevention intervention program.
Implications for public health: Consistent and proper condom use is a highly effective method for HIV/AIDS prevention. This research provides background data to inform the planning of an HIV intervention prevention program targeting military personnel in Cameroon. Such a program can be adapted for military programs around the world.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PITT/oai:PITTETD:etd-04122010-140059 |
| Date | 28 June 2010 |
| Creators | Nagy, Annie Marie |
| Contributors | Linda Frank, MSN, PhD, Emilia Lombardi, MA, PhD, Martha Ann Terry, MA, PhD |
| Publisher | University of Pittsburgh |
| Source Sets | University of Pittsburgh |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-04122010-140059/ |
| Rights | unrestricted, I hereby certify that, if appropriate, I have obtained and attached hereto a written permission statement from the owner(s) of each third party copyrighted matter to be included in my thesis, dissertation, or project report, allowing distribution as specified below. I certify that the version I submitted is the same as that approved by my advisory committee. I hereby grant to University of Pittsburgh or its agents the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible, under the conditions specified below, my thesis, dissertation, or project report in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. I retain all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis, dissertation or project report. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis, dissertation, or project report. |
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