A KABP Study on the Concept of HIV/AIDS among the military personnel at the Western Mindanao Command 一 Armed Forces of the Philippines

Abstract

Background: The Philippines has a relatively low HIV prevalence rate compared to its neighbors and other countries. Although several indicators such as a steady increase in number of PLWHA, low condom use, increase in practice of risky behaviors can eventually lead to a sudden epidemic of HIV and AIDS. Among the groups at-higher risk than the general population is the military. There is a necessity to conduct a study among them as previous HIV surveillances are outdated and are no longer as reliable in the context of contemporary times. Objectives: To determine the level of knowledge, propriety of attitude, and set of beliefs regarding the concept of HIV, AIDS and STL Methodology: In gathering the necessary data, this study used the Family Health International Behavioral Surveillance Survey (FHI-BSS). The BSS is a standardized questionnaire designed to collect data on knowledge, attitude, belief and behavior on HIV, AIDS and STL The survey was successfully administered among 234 military personnel within Camp Navarro, Western Mindanao Command., Zamboanga City, Mindanao. The primary researcher of this study also conducted two separate FGD's with 9 marines and 7 land infantry soldiers as part of the qualitative data gathering. Results: The results yield that 95.8% of the respondents are sexually active, 35% had experienced having multiple partners, and condom usage is low; only 43% had ever tried a condom while less than 10% have consistent condom use. Awareness of HIV, AIDS and STI was generally high but knowledge on specific details is low. Misconceptions and false beliefs about the said illnesses are prevalent. 4.3% of the respondents had exhibited genital discharge, a symptom of STI, within the past 12 months. Conclusion: Low knowledge on HIV, STD and AIDS; common practice of unprotected sex among the majority of the respondents place them at high risk of acquiring HIV, AIDS and STI.