Sexual knowledge based on Islamic values and sexual risk behaviors of HIV/STIs among Thai Muslim army conscripts: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are commonly associated with conflict areas. In Thailand, conflict situations have occurred from 2004 until the present in three Muslim-majority southernmost provinces, including Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. However, Islam provides strict guidelines on sexuality. Therefore, those who strictly practice Islam will have lower sexual risk behavior. This study aimed to examine the relationship between Islamic values-based sexual knowledge, sociodemographic factors, and risk for HIV/STIs among Thai Muslim army conscripts in the unrest situation area. A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2020. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire among 421 participants. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square were used to examine the association among variables. 57.5% of Muslim army conscripts had poor sexual knowledge based on Islamic aspects, and the participants showed high-risk profiles for HIV/STIs (32.5%). Marital status, hometown, smoking and drinking status, and Islamic values-based sexual knowledge were significantly associated with the risk of HIV/STIs (p <0.05). Participants with poor sexual knowledge according to Islamic values, smokers, single-status, alcoholic drinkers, and non-three southernmost provinces' hometowns had higher risks of HIV/STIs. Thus, it is suggested that nurses and public health professionals implement sexual health promotion and prevention for HIV/STIs. In addition, misperceptions of Islamic aspects toward sexual behavior should receive immediate adjustments.