Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices: A Study On Multiple Concurrent Sexual Partners Among Members Of 262 Battalion, Mpacha Base, Katima Mulilo, Namibia

ABSTRACT

HIV/AIDS is currently one of the most dangerous threats to human development in Namibia and it represents the leading cause of deaths among young adults. According to the United Nations Themes for HIV/AIDS (2010), Namibia ranks as one of the four most affected countries in the world, while Katima Mulilo had the highest HIV prevalence rate of 37.7 %, 2012 Sentinel Survey (MoHSS, 2012). This study explored the sexual behaviour, knowledge, attitude and practices of the members stationed at the 262 Battalion, Mpacha Base, which is about 20 km from Katima Mulilo. The Jaipur Paradigm was used as the study‟s theoretical framework and was used to explore the vulnerability and susceptibility of the members of 262 Battalion by investigating the soldiers‟ attitudes and practices with regard to condom and contraceptive use; as well as multiple concurrent sexual partners through structured and semi-structured interviews.