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HIV/STI Prevalence Study Among Military Conscripts in Estonia

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Abstract

Risk taking behavior and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) research outcomes vary among militaries. A common theme indicates STI prevalence and risk taking among military personnel is higher than the general population. Alcohol and drug misuse is well documented. From these behaviors, high-risk sexual encounters increase. Exploring STI prevalence, knowledge, and risk behaviors among conscripted military forces, we recruited 584 conscripts from a defense force in Eastern Europe. The observed STI prevalence in the young, male conscripts was equal or less than their non-conscripted counterparts. Military entry screenings could reduce STIs, creating a healthier population. However, these findings remain informative as the notion of high STI rates among military forces is not supported. As this study was one of the first of its type in the region, it demonstrates the ability of a nation to secure their defense forces against HIV/STIs even in the face of increased prevalence within that nation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. West Virginia University, School of Public Health, Morgantown, WV, USA

    R. David Parker, Michael Regier & Joseph Widmeyer

  2. Estonian National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia

    Kristi Rüütel

Authors
  1. R. David Parker
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  2. Michael Regier
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  3. Joseph Widmeyer
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  4. Kristi Rüütel
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Correspondence to R. David Parker.

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Parker, R.D., Regier, M., Widmeyer, J. et al. HIV/STI Prevalence Study Among Military Conscripts in Estonia. J Community Health 40, 271–275 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-014-9926-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-014-9926-7

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