Sexual Orientation, Knowledge and Attitudes toward AIDS among Military Personnel in Korea

The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess sexual orientation and Knowledge and attitudes with regards to AIDS in military personnel, and to provide basic data for developing a further sex education program for them. The data were collected in June 2002 on 242 service members of A Branch of the Ground Army located in Chung-Chung Do Region. They responded to a survey questionnaire that consisted of 68 items: 14 items on sexual orientation. 39 items on knowledge about AIDS, and 15 items on attitudes toward AIDS. The data were analyzed using SAS program. The study results are as follows: 1. Sexual orientation of the military personnel 1) In terms of sexual orientaion, harassment and assault, only of the subjects responded as, 'know well'. Appropriate awareness of the legal liability was reported by of the subjects regarding sexual harassment and of the subjects regarding sexual assault. 2) Pre-marital cohabitant was supported by of the subjects. 3) The Korean military personnel showed liberal attitudes toward sexuality as of them reported having sexual-relationship with the dating partner is acceptable. 4) The attitudes of the most subjects toward homosexuality was found to be unfavorable. 5) Subjects were m the need of appropriate sex education. of which substantial knowledge on sexual intercourse was the most needy area. 2. Knowledge and attitudes toward AIDS of the military personnel 1) The subjects' level of knowledge on AIDS was relatively low, showing the average score of points (range: 0-39 points). The higher level of knowledge was reported by those who had high level of education, father alive. and less number of brothers in their family. 2) The subjects' attitudes toward AIDS was relatively positive. The attitude toward AIDS was also found to be more positive in those who had high level of education and less number of brothers. 3) There was a positive but weak correlation between knowledge and attitude toward AIDS. The study finding showed that the sexual orientaion of the Korean military personnel was moderately positive and liberal. However, their awareness of sexual harassment and assault and AIDS was still found to be low. As Korean enlisted military service men are likely to be in the ages with strong sexual desire, it may be important for them to have appropriate sexual orientation and attitudes toward AIDS. Therefore, it is recommended to develop further practical and sound sex education programs within the military unit in order to meet their education needs as well as to utilize sex education specialists as the instructors of those programs.