Sexual behaviour of Kiribati seafarers: second generation surveillance in 2005 and 2008

Mamao Robate; Tebuka Toatu; Revite Kirition; Gillian Duffy; Lisa Hansen; Tim Bryar

Vol 62, No 4 (2010)

Original article

Submitted: 2013-02-18

Published online: 2011-02-24

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Sexual behaviour of Kiribati seafarers: second generation surveillance in 2005 and 2008

Mamao Robate, Tebuka Toatu, Revite Kirition, Gillian Duffy, Lisa Hansen, Tim Bryar

IMH 2010;62(4):195-200.

Vol 62, No 4 (2010)

MARITIME MEDICINE Original article

Submitted: 2013-02-18

Published online: 2011-02-24

Abstract

High-risk sexual activity, including engaging in transactional sex, concurrent sexual partnerships, and inconsistent condom use, increases the risk of infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). The demands of seafaring, such as long periods spent away from home, and the availability of commercial sex around seaports, can contribute to a culture of high-risk activity such as multiple casual sexual encounters and poor condom use. In 2005 and 2008, the Kiribati Ministry of Health conducted HIV and STI prevalence and behaviour surveys among seafarers. The results suggest that, while knowledge of HIV prevention and transmission improved from 2005 to 2008, this did not correlate with reduced levels of risky sexual activity in the same period. These findings suggest that HIV and STI prevention programs must extend beyond providing information, and testing and treatment facilities, towards implementing strategies that encourage and support safer sexual behaviours amongst seafarers and their partners, in particular transactional sex partners. (Int Marit Health 2010; 61; 4: 195-200)

Abstract

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Keywords

seafarers; Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI); Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); Second Generation Surveillance

About this article

Title

Sexual behaviour of Kiribati seafarers: second generation surveillance in 2005 and 2008

Journal

International Maritime Health

Issue

Vol 62, No 4 (2010)

Article type

Original article

Pages

195-200

Published online

2011-02-24

Page views

812

Article views/downloads

1131

Bibliographic record

IMH 2010;62(4):195-200.

Keywords

seafarers
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Second Generation Surveillance

Authors

Mamao Robate
Tebuka Toatu
Revite Kirition
Gillian Duffy
Lisa Hansen
Tim Bryar

References (6)

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PubMed
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World Health Organization and UNAIDS. Second generation surveillance for HIV: compilation of basic materials. CD-ROM. Geneva, World Health Organization Geneva, 07.2002.
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UNAIDS. Monitoring the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS Guidelines on Construction of Core Indicators, 2010 Reporting. 03.2009.
UNAIDS. Evaluation of the 100% Condom Programme in Thailand. Geneva: UNAIDS. http:////data.unaids.org/publications/IRC-pub01/jc275-100-pcondom_en.pdf (06.2000).