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This study examined changes in sexual behavior among Thai army conscripts from 1992 to 1998 in association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence. The sexual behavior survey was started in 1992 during the epidemic of HIV infection in Thailand, when sexual transmission was the most common route and young men were at high risk, and it has continued yearly since 1995. The self-reported questionnaires were administered to randomly selected conscripts (N = 294 in 1992, N > 4,000 in 1995-1998), and trends in sexual behaviors were studied. The results showed that risky sexual behaviors generally decreased in relation to the decline in HIV seroprevalence, but the conscripts still engage in risky sexual behaviors. Appropriate interventions should be implemented to change these behaviors. The periodic sexual behavior surveys will be useful in evaluating program outcomes and planning for future interventions.

SUMMARYThe effectiveness of HIV/AIDS control in Thailand is well recognized internationally and is due to the perception of national threat, the acknowledgement of the policy-makers, the efficient mechanisms of management at all levels, the relevant counter-measures and plans, the sustained commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS and the total mobilization of all sectors of the country to deal with the problems. The Royal Thai Army (RTA) and the RTA Medical Department (RTAMD) have significant roles in solving the HIV/AIDS problems by partnering in the threat assessment, surveillance among conscripts to monitor HIV spread and control it effectively, research on behavioral risks leading to the development of targeted intervention models first piloted with conscripts and later adapted for other risk groups, providing care and support to people living with HIV/AIDS (PWA) and cooperation with civilian and international partners. Factors that have contributed to the success of the RTA's operations include the strong organizational infrastructure and management, the relevant strategies and measures, the determination for long-term commitment and total mobilization of resources and multi-sectoral coordination. The lessons learned from the RTA's experience in HIV/AIDS prevention and impact alleviation, especially by epidemiologic and public health approaches, can be used as a basis for further development towards more effective and efficient models. It can also be a useful example for other agencies in Thailand and other countries with the same problems and similar socio-cultural backgrounds to apply and adapt for their own uses.KEY WORDS: HIV/AIDS, Thailand, Public health, Epidemiology, Royal Thai Army, Young men.Actuaciones epidemiológicas y de salud pública para el control del VIH / SIDA entre los hombres jóvenes en Tailandia y el Real Ejército de Tailandia RESUMEN La eficacia del control del VIH/SIDA en Tailandia es bien conocida a nivel internacional y se debe a la percepción de amenaza nacional, el reconocimiento de los encargados de formular las medidas políticas a adoptar, los mecanismos eficientes de gestión a todos los niveles, las correspondientes contramedidas y planes, el desarrollo sostenido del compromiso en la lucha contra el VIH/SIDA y la movilización total de todos los sectores del país para hacer frente a este problema. El Ejército Real Tailandés (RTA) y el Departamento Médico del RTA (RTAMD) han desarrollado un papel importante en la solución de los problemas del VIH/SIDA mediante la evaluación de la amenaza, la vigilancia sobre los soldados para controlar la propagación del VIH y su control de manera efectiva, la investigación sobre comportamientos de riesgo, que propicien al desarrollo de modelos de intervención, dirigidos primero a los soldados y más tarde adaptado para otros grupos de riesgo, proporcionando atención y apoyo a las personas que viven con el VIH/ SIDA (PVVS) y la cooperación con entiddaes civiles e internacionales. Los factores que han contribuido al éxito de las operaciones de la R...

This study examined changes in sexual behavior among Thai army conscripts from 1992 to 1998 in association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence. The sexual behavior survey was started in 1992 during the epidemic of HIV infection in Thailand, when sexual transmission was the most common route and young men were at high risk, and it has continued yearly since 1995. The self-reported questionnaires were administered to randomly selected conscripts (N= 294 in 1992, N> 4,000 in 1995-1998), and trends in sexual behaviors were studied. The results showed that risky sexual behaviors generally decreased in relation to the decline in HIV seroprevalence, but the conscripts still engage in risky sexual behaviors. Appropriate interventions should be implemented to change these behaviors. The periodic sexual behavior surveys will be useful in evaluating program outcomes and planning for future interventions.

IntroductionHeat injury is a common illness among new conscripts during basic training course in Thailand and heat stroke is a major cause of death. There are a lot of methods to reduce the body temperature of conscripts to prevent heat injury. The conscripts are allowed to take a bath in the evening every day as regular bath during training. Daytime bath is one of the procedures. The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness between daytime bath and regular bath for heat injury prevention among new conscripts in training unit.MethodsA quasi-experimental study was conducted in 93 new conscripts in training unit. The data of their body temperature before and after daytime bath in the time of 1200 and 0300 pm were collected. The body temperature data after regular bath were collected in the time of 0600 pm. The paired t–test was used to compare the difference between body temperature means before and after daytime bath and ANOVA was used to compare the difference between body temperature means after daytime bath and regular bath.ResultsThere were 93 conscripts participating in this study with response rate of 100%. The results of the analyses showed that the body temperature after daytime bath is lower than before bath in statistically significant (p<0.05). But, the difference of body temperature between daytime bath and regular bath is not statistically significant. (p>0.05).DiscussionBoth regular and daytime bath showed effectiveness in decreasing body temperature. Therefore, daytime bath can be used as additional method to reduce body temperature in the daytime period to prevent heat injury.