Adam Suliman
According to WHO and UNAIDS estimates, the prevalence rate of HIV infection in Sudan is 25% in 2016. The AIDS epidemic in Sudan is concentrated among the most vulnerable groups (women who have sex for money and men have sex with men). A descriptive cross-sectional community based study was conducted among active duty service military personnel. Its objective was to establish baseline behavioral, knowledge and intervention exposure data in relation to HIV/AIDS among military personnel. A sample size of 340 military personnel at Omdurman Military Area was determined using statistical formula. Sociodemographic data as well as information related to sexual behavior were collected. All respondants are males and Muslims. About 34.1% of the age group 18-24 years, 54.1% were between 25-49 years and 11.8% were more than 50 years. Regarding education 56.2% basic school and 11.8% illiterate. About 75% were married and 25% unmarried. The respondants were highly knowledgable of HIV/AIDS, 100% heard about the disease, the main channel was the lectures presented by the health workers (45%). Only 35% know the symptoms and signs. Modes of transmission 76.4% sexual intercourse, 36.8% blood transfusion, 37.9% skin penetration. Regarding sexual behavior, 96.5% reported their first sexual experience between 20 and 30 years. 94.7% said that marriage offered protection, 72.6% said abstinence and only 7.8% said use of condom. As regards wrong believes 54.7% said the HIV virus can be transmitted by mosquito, 51.7% by sharing food with an infected person. Voluntary test and the results 100% negative. Findings showed that even though the respondent???s knowledge about HIV was good but there were some wrong believes. The circumcision, religion, marital status, education level are significant predictors for HIV infections control and prevention. These findings should be considered in any intervention strategy in the country.
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