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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Anthony Kraemer, PsyD¹, Steven Godin, PhD, MPH², Jose Sanchez, MD, MPH³, and Stu Badner, PsyD¹. (1) Psychology, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 4180 City Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19131, 215-871-6442, sgodin@po-box.esu.edu, (2) Community Health Education, East Stroudsburg University, 200 Prospect St., East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, (3) Anteon Corporation, 321 Ballenger Center Drive, Frederick, MD 21703

Throughout the history of the US military, sexually transmitted diseases and infections within enlisted men has been an ongoing area of concern. Lifetime prevalence rates for STDs/STIs for military men and women are 17.2% and 32.6% respectively. Recent data collected by the US Army suggests that the incidence of STDs/STIs has been increasing in recent years (see Bray, et al., 2004). While the military conducts ongoing STD screenings from the time of enlistment, very little attention is given to providing comprehensive HIV/AIDS education. This study examined HIV/AIDS knowledge using the HARKS (HIV/AIDS Related Knowledge Survey) within 333 enlisted men and women stationed on a military base located in the southwest region of the U.S. Results from this study found that approximately 22% of the participants did not know that HIV could be transmitted through oral sex. About 37% believed HIV could be obtained through donating blood. Also, 37% believed one could get HIV infected through “deep-kissing”. Few (19%) were aware that women were more likely than men to become HIV infected through heterosexual exposure. Further analyses found no significant differences in HIV knowledge regardless of the amount of prior HIV/AIDS education and training received. This presentation discusses the need for updated HIV curriculums be provided to military personnel that includes information on HIV risk behaviors that will dispel myths and inaccurate beliefs about how HIV is transmitted. This presentation also suggests the use of various social marketing strategies that can also be used to improve HIV/AIDS knowledge within military personnel.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant(s) in this session will be able to

• List at least five HIV risk factors that military personnel lack sufficient knowledge.
• Describe the relationship prior HIV education has on measured HIV knowledge in military personnel.
• Articulate the need for updated curriculums to be used in the military to improve HIV knowledge, and potentially lower HIV risk behaviors.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered