Factors influencing venereal infection in a war environment.

Abstract

376 soldiers leaving for Australia after 12 months in Vietnam were interviewed about their sexual behavior while in Vietnam and while on a 7 day rest and recreation leave spent in Australia, or in Hong Kong, Bangkok or Taipei. Over 85% of soldiers were younger than 26; 65.5% had intercourse while in Vietnam, the percentage being 74.5% among unmarried, and 51% among married soldiers. Mean age at 1st intercourse was 17; 74% had been circumcised. Venereal infection before service in Vietnam had been acquired by 9.6% of soldiers; in contrast, 27% of those having intercourse in Vietnam or during the leave acquired venereal disease (VD); of these, only 7% were married. Only 15% of single soldiers used a condom as compared to 39.5% of married soldiers; no solder who used a condom on all occasions acquired VD. 29% of those having intercourse usually did so under the influence of alcohol. Reasons for abstinence from intercourse was fidelity in 67% of married men, followed by religiouis or ethical reasons and fear of VD; fear of VD was the major deterrent from intercourse also among unmarried soldiers. It is possible to see from this study that some of the factors influencing the high incidence of VD in wartime have to do with altered behavior patterns, mainly the promiscuity with prostitutes who are known to have a high rate of venereal infection, and the influence of alcohol. The findings also suggest that the condom is a very effective prophylactic; nevertheless a condom was used routinely by only 22.5% of soldiers. The findings also show that in wartime circumcision may become a significant influence on the total morbidity from sexual relations.