Assessment and Intervention for the Reduction of Adverse Gynecologic and Obstetric Clinical Events in Naval Personnel Aboard Ship.
Abstract
Unplanned pregnancies (UPs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in active-duty women result in morbidity and high financial costs, and adversely impact combat readiness. This study ascertained the prevalence of UPs and STDs in 314 U.S. Navy enlisted women, and defined demographic and behavioral correlates for these outcomes. Urine was collected for pregnancy and chiamydia screening, and a self-report questionnaire was administered. The mean age of our study population was 25.9 years, and approximately half were married (50.6%). Most of the women were E-4 or above (69.7%) with an average of 5.3 years in the military. The average age of sexual debut was 16.8 years with a mean of 10 lifetime sexual partners; one third (36.6%) had a history of STDs. Pregnancy screening was positive in 29 (9.2%); 48% were unplanned. 23% of the sexually active women listed "no method" as their contraceptive choice. 4.2% of the cohort were positive for chiamydia infection. The majority of this subgroup reported having a new sex partner in the last six months (57%) and 43% had multiple partners in the last six months. Demographic and behavioral correlates can be determined for this high-risk population, and noninvasive, urine-based screening can be applied to identify and treat asymptomatic infection as well as to target prevention efforts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA327526
Entities
People
- Stephanie K. Brodine
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center