A SURVEY OF ATTITUDES OF NAVAL PERSONNEL TO RETENTION OF HIV POSITIVE SAILOR ON SHIP AND IN NAVAL SERVICE

Area of Science:

• Medical Sociology
• Public Health
• Naval Medicine

Background:

• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection presents unique challenges in military settings, particularly concerning personnel deployment and service retention.
• Understanding attitudes towards HIV-positive individuals in the navy is crucial for policy development and fostering an inclusive environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the attitudes of naval personnel regarding the retention of HIV-positive sailors on ships and within naval service.
• To identify potential disparities in attitudes between officers and sailors concerning HIV-positive personnel.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 652 naval personnel stationed in Visakhapatnam.
• Data collected focused on willingness to retain HIV-positive sailors on ships and in service, with reasons for opinions noted.

Main Results:

• Only 35.9% of personnel favored retaining HIV-positive sailors on their ship, while 59.8% opposed it, often without justification.
• Conversely, 59.7% supported retention in naval service, with 38.5% opposing it, again frequently without clear reasons.
• A significant difference was observed between officers (approx. 75% positive attitude for retention) and sailors (29% for ship acceptance, 57% for service retention).

Conclusions:

• Naval personnel exhibit a divided attitude towards HIV-positive sailors, with greater acceptance for service retention than for shipboard presence.
• Officers demonstrate a more positive and accepting attitude towards HIV-positive personnel compared to sailors.
• Further education and policy refinement are needed to address unjustified biases and ensure equitable treatment of HIV-positive individuals in the naval service.