Vol 62, No 4 (2010)
Original article
Published online: 2011-02-24
Sexual behaviour of Kiribati seafarers: second generation surveillance in 2005 and 2008
IMH 2010;62(4):195-200.
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)
Keywords: seafarersSexually Transmitted Infections (STI)Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)Second Generation Surveillance
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