https://aub.ie/MilitaryREACH-Kunz2022

Kunz, A., Moodley, A., Colby, D. J., Soltis, M., Robb-McGrath, W., Fairchok, A.,… Scott, P. (2022). Feasibility, acceptability, and short-term impact of a brief sexually transmitted infection intervention targeting U.S. military personnel and family members. BMC Public Health, 22(1), Article 640. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13096-x

Using a sample of 66 Service members or spouses, this pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of the Knocking-out Infections through Safer-Sex and Screening (KISS) intervention. Pilot data were collected at 3 time points (i.e., enrollment, intervention, and 3 months later). At enrollment, sexually transmitted infection (STI) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing was completed, and demographic information (e.g., sex, race) was collected. At the intervention, a sexual risk assessment (pretest), STI/HIV knowledge assessments (pretest/posttest), and a feedback form were completed (posttest). At the follow-up, the same sexual risk and STI/HIV knowledge assessments as well as STI/HIV testing were completed. Overall, knowledge about STI/HIV increased after the intervention, and participants did not have recurrent STIs 3 months after the intervention.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13096-x

Physical health
Programming
Couples

Army

Active Duty

Active duty service member
Spouse of service member or veteran
Military families

Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)

Longitudinal Study
Quantitative Study

Kunz, Anjali, Moodley, Amber, Colby, Donn J., Soltis, Michele, Robb-McGrath, Wesley, Fairchok, Alexandra, Faestel, Paul, Jungels, Amanda, Bender, Alexis A., Kamau, Edwin, Wingood, Gina, DiClemente, Ralph, Scott, Paul

Background Over the past 10 years, incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has increased to record numbers in the United States, with the most significant increases observed among adolescents and young adults. The US military, where the majority of active duty personnel are 18–30 years old, has seen similar increases. However, the US military does not yet have a standardized, service-wide program for STI education and prevention. Methods The KISS intervention (Knocking out Infections through Safer-sex and Screening) was adapted from an evidence-based intervention endorsed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and consisted of a one-time, small group session. Content included STI/HIV knowledge and prevention, condom use skills, and interpersonal communication techniques. The intervention was pilot tested for feasibility and acceptability among a population of service members and medical beneficiaries at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. Results A total of 79 participants aged 18–30 years were consented to participate in the pilot study and met entry criteria, 66/79 (82.5%) attended the intervention session, and 46/66 (69.7%) returned at 3 months for the final follow-up assessment. The intervention sessions included 31 male (47.0%) and 35 female (53.0%) participants. Almost all participants felt comfortable discussing sexual issues in the group sessions, reported that they intended to practice safer sex after the intervention, and would also recommend the intervention to friends. Knowledge about STI/HIV prevention significantly increased after the intervention, and intervention effects were maintained at 3 months. About one-fifth of participants tested positive for N. gonorrhea or C. trachomatis infection at enrollment, while none had recurrent STIs at the final visit. Use of both male and female condoms increased after the intervention. Conclusions The KISS intervention was feasible to implement in the military setting and was acceptable to the active duty service members and other medical beneficiaries who participated in the pilot project. Further studies are needed to determine if the KISS intervention, or others, effectively decrease STI incidence in active duty personnel and would be appropriate for more widespread implementation.

Springer Nature

Article
REACH Publication

Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint-Base Lewis McChord, AK
Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, AM
United States Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, AM
Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, DJC
United States Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, DJC
Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint-Base Lewis McChord, MS
Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, WRM
Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, AF
Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint-Base Lewis McChord, PF
Behavioral and Social Health Outcomes Program, Army Public Health Center, AJ
Center for Teaching Excellence, Rice University, AJ
Behavioral and Social Health Outcomes Program, Army Public Health Center, AAB
Emory University School of Medicine, AAB
United States Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, EK
Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, GW
New York University School of Global Public Health, RD
Emerging Infectious Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, PS