Sexual risk behaviours and compulsive sexual behaviour disorders among military personnel in Ibadan

Abstract

Background: Military personnel (MP) are exposed to situations such as loneliness and alcohol use that lead to sexual risk behaviours  (SRBs) with serious implications for the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder (CSBD) is a  psychosexual condition that is characterized by a consistent failure to control sexual behaviour and continuation of the behaviour  despite the consequences. The prevalence of CSBD is underreported due to the sensitive nature of the behaviour. This study thereby  assesses SRBs and CSBD and associated factors among MP.

Methods:A cross-sectional study among 406 MP in Ibadan using a  convenient sampling method to select the personnel serving in the two military barracks in Ibadan. MP available on the days of data  collection were interviewed. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on SRBs and  CSBD. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done and the Chi-Square test was used to test for association between independent and  outcome variables at p < 0.05.

Results:The mean age of respondents was 30.1±10.1 years. Above half (52.7%) were aged 20 - 30 years,  70.7% were males, and 56.6% were not living with a partner. The prevalence of SRBs among respondents was 79.6% while the prevalence  of CSBD was 6.4%. Gender and marital status were predictors of SRBs.

Conclusion: The majority of MP engaged in SRBs while less than  one-tenth had CSBD. Gender and marital status were predictors of SRBs. Risk reduction counseling was recommended for MP.