Prevalence and determinants of casual sex among military personnel in Lusaka District

Abstract

This is a cross sectional study aimed at establishing prevalence and factors associated with casual sex engagement among military personnel in the Defence Force. The general objective of the study was to identify factors associated with casual sexual intercourse among military personnel so as to develop ppropriate measures to address the problem and avert HIV and other sexually transmitted i ions. Specific objectives were to determine the prevalence of casual sex among military personnel; examine the extent to which demographic factors such as age, education and marital status could influence casual sex among military personnel, a also establish any association between length and frequency of military operations; and engagement in casual sex.Data was collected quantitatively by administering a standard pre – tested questionnaire to each participant from a sample size of 341. A convenient sample was chosen from the six military camps in Lusaka. The sample size was calculated to ena 95% confidence.Results show that 46.0% of surveyed respondents engaged in pre/extramarital sexual activities. There were significant relationships between responden participation in military operations(p = <0.001), marital status (p = 0.001) and engagement in pre/extramarital sex. There were no significant relationships between the respondent’s age, sex, education qualification, rank and engagement in pre/extramarital sex. Among the surveyed respondents, only 46.5% used condoms consistently with a non regular partner.It can be concluded from this study that the high prevalence of casual sex with multiplerelationships among military personnel carries the ris of HIV transmission. Contributing factors from the study are; long periods of absence from home on military duty; influence of alcohol, boredom and peer pressure. The Defence Force needs to play a more proactive role in HIV/AIDS prevention programmes. Personnel on deployment, in – and outside the country should be provided with the necessary awareness messages aimed at behaviour change and to guard against HIV infection.