The effect of squad leader mentors through short message services on mobile phone in promoting safe sex among first (central) army area conscripts of Thailand

Abstract

The lifestyles of conscripts are considered to be high-risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection according to their unique demographic characteristic of being mobile, young men. Fully 85 percent of new infections of HIV in Thailand are attributable sexual intercourse. This study aimed to develop the capacity of squad leaders in the Royal Thai Army to be a mentor with support by text messages (SMS) on mobile phone to create an effective prevention model of safe sex behaviors of Thai Army conscripts. The study was conducted in two military districts with study and control groups. The study was composed of two phases: qualitative and quantitative. In the qualitative part, focused group discussions were done with 6 squad leaders and 40 conscripts to understand their needs. In the quantitative part, 14 squad leaders were requited to be mentors of 148 conscripts in the study group, along with 114 conscripts to be in the control group in separate provinces. The qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. The quantitative data were analyzed by independent sample t-test to compare knowledge, attitude and practices between study and control groups together with paired t-test to compare pre- and post-test scores of the study group of conscripts. In addition, the advantage of using SMS and the capacity of squad leaders to be mentors were also measured. The results show that, from the qualitative part, the conscripts were more likely to practice unsafe sex and lacked knowledge and positive attitudes toward the practice of safe sex. Most of the squad leaders were willing to participate in the study and had a positive attitude to being mentors. After the study, the results of overall knowledge in the study group of conscripts significantly increased (p value<0.001**). The practice in condom use in the study group also significantly changed (p value =0.001*). Perceived advantage and frequency of using SMS significantly changed in study group consequently(p value<0.001**, <0.001**). Moreover, the roles of squad leaders as being models of safe sex and having knowledge and abilities to promote safe sex, significantly increased in the study group (p value=0.02*,0.006*). The mentors’ messages through SMS via mobile phone provided health education information to promote safe sex and awareness regarding HIV and other communicable diseases. This method can be applied to all conscripts who are the backbone of the Thai defense force. In addition, the results of the study show that an SMS forum can be created to counsel and give free education regarding health threats.