Sexual Behavior and Risk of STI Infections in Mozambican Military Personnel

<i>Introduction</i>: The analysis of sexual behavior and the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among military personnel involves not only understanding factors such as cultural and social norms, but also the specific aspects of the military's work environment. Studies on sexual behavior and practices that seek to better understand the exercise of sexuality within the military are extremely important as they can help guide healthy sexuality practices and develop intervention strategies to prevent and combat STIs. <i>Aim</i>: To analyze sexual behavior and the risks associated with sexually transmitted infections in Mozambican military personnel. <i>Methodology</i>: A total of 177 military personnel of both sexes took part in the study, including officers, sargent and private soldier. The sampling process was snowball type. Data was collected using the Brazilian Youth Questionnaire - Phase II Version (Dell'Aglio et al., 2011), adapted to the reality and objectives of this research, made in the googleform system and sent to the subjects, with the respective explanations and informed consent form for non-identifiable self-administration. <i>Result</i>: The majority of subjects had an active sex life and had been involved in at least one risky sexual practice and 14.1% showed signs or symptoms of STI infection. Risky sexual behavior had a significant association with the presence of signs of STI infection. Irregular condom use, sex for money and sex after drinking were predictors of STI infection. <i>Conclusion</i>: Risk sexual behavior was present in the lives of most military personnel, with greater emphasis on sex without a condom and multiple partners, which may largely explain the presence of signs or symptoms of sexually transmitted infections.