Evaluation of an STD/HIV Intervention Program Among Marine Security Guards
Abstract
Although military personnel are at high risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV, behavioral interventions to prevent STDs/HIV in U.S. military populations have been lacking. In this study, a behavioral intervention was implemented and evaluated in a sample of Marine Security Guards (MSGs). Participants were assessed prior to and following a 3-session intervention on a measure of STD/HIV knowledge and a number of psychosocial scales. Paired comparisons of pretest and posttest scores revealed that STD/HIV knowledge was significantly higher after the intervention. Significant pretest versus posttest differences were also found on Social Norms, Behavioral Intentions, Attitudes Toward Condoms, and Self-Efficacy/Impulse Control. On Social Norms and Behavioral Intentions, the differences were as expected; subjects perceived greater social norms supporting condom use and expressed stronger intentions to practice safe sex after the intervention than they had before. On Attitudes Toward Condoms and Self-Efficacy/Impulse Control, the differences were not as expected after the intervention. MSGs actually expressed less positive attitudes toward condoms and felt less confident about being able to use a condom in difficult situations. Psychosocial factors that correlated significantly with self-reported condom use were also identified. Implications of these findings were discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA381289
Entities
People
- Patricia A. Gilman
- Rahn Y. Minagawa
- Richard A. Shaffer
- Stephanie Booth-Kewley
- Stephanie K. Brodine
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center