Sexual Health Surveillance in Military Populations
Summary
Sexual health surveillance within military populations encompasses systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among service personnel. Rigorous surveillance programmes are essential given the unique occupational, social and mobility patterns inherent to military life, which may elevate exposure to and transmission of infections. Surveillance strategies combine laboratory-based testing, behavioural risk assessments and deployment health records to provide a comprehensive picture of STI burden. Effective systems must integrate periodic screening at multiple anatomical sites, capture repeat diagnoses over time and link clinical data with demographic and deployment factors. Such approaches enable early detection of outbreaks, inform targeted prevention interventions and guide policy development. Globally, military surveillance initiatives contribute not only to force readiness and individual health but also to broader public health, by limiting the spill-over of infections into civilian communities.
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Technical terms
Extragenital screening: Testing for sexually transmitted infections at non-genital sites such as the throat and rectum to detect infections not identified by genital sampling.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): The use of antiretroviral medication by HIV-negative individuals to prevent acquisition of HIV.
Incidence rate: The frequency with which new cases of an infection occur in a defined population over a specified period, typically expressed per 1,000 person-years.
Syndromic diagnosis: Classification of an infection based on clinical symptoms and signs rather than laboratory confirmation, often employed where laboratory resources are limited.
References
- Extragenital chlamydia infection among active-duty women in the United States Navy. Military Medical Research (2019).
- HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis in the U.S. Military Services — 2014–2016. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2018).
- Prevalence and risk factors of sexually transmitted infections among French service members. PLOS ONE (2018).
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