Trends in HIV risk perception, condom use and sexual history among Jamaican youth, 1996-2004

Abstract

As the number of HIV/AIDS cases continues to increase among youth, aged 15-24 years, it becomes critically important to identify the factors that are contributing to this increase. Trends in perceived risk and risk behaviours were examined among youth by sex and age in an attempt to address this concern. National-level cross-sectional data across three time periods (1996, 2000, 2004) gathered from youths, aged 15-24 years in Jamaica for six outcomes were examined (perceived risk, ever had sex, initiation of sex before age 14, multiple sexual partnerships, condom use at last sex with regular and non-regular partners). Trend analyses were employed for each outcome for the total sample and separately by sex and age. A significant positive increase in condom use emerged; males reported higher levels of condom use at last sex with most recent regular partner (55.7% in 1996, 67.9% in 2004, ρ <0.01). Condom use by females with regular and non-regular partners did not increase. There was no significant change in the percent of youths reporting multiple partnerships, the percent initiating sex or age at first sex. Youths did perceive themselves to be at greater risk for HIV in 2004 than in 1996 (40.0% vs. 17.6%, ρ <0.001). These analyses revealed inadequate protective behaviour adoption by Jamaican youths. Prevention programs targeting youths need to be expanded significantly, be culturally relevant, and also address social vulnerability.

Gender norms and sexual behaviours among men in western Jamaica

“…Additionally, research conducted by Siu and colleagues among men in Uganda also revealed that aspects of masculinity pertaining to reputation undermine uptake of HIV testing and treatment services. 36 The need to include 'masculinity' in HIV prevention programs to reduce men's vulnerability to HIV acquisition has been highlighted in studies conducted in the United States [37][38][39][40] and in developing countries such as Brazil, India 33 and Mozambique. 9 Over 50% of the men in our study reported having multiple sexual partners within the past 12 months, which is considerably higher than what has been reported in other high-risk settings, such as sub-Saharan Africa.…”

“…46 The need for development and implementation of culturally relevant interventions to reduce risk behaviours among Jamaica's youth has been documented in other studies. 8,12,38,44 Although attitudes towards gender norms are changeable, 15 it is likely to be a challenging and gradual process, which ideally should be addressed early in life. 33 Modifiable social and cultural behaviours are central to reducing HIV transmission, especially in this resource-poor setting, given that there is still no vaccine and treatment is costly.…”

Protective and Risk Factors Associated with Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in the English-speaking Caribbean: A Literature Review

“…For the 30% of the population in the English-speaking Caribbean who are adolescents and youth, sexual development occurs against a backdrop of regional instability and numerous challenges to health and development. Approximately one-third of adolescents in this region have had sexual intercourse, with many debuting at early ages; on average, boys at age 11 and girls at ages 14 -15 [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Moreover, studies report that among adolescents who are sexually active, one-third have had multiple sexual partners in the past year, 90% have used condoms, but only 16%-25% have used them consistently, and approximately half of those who are sexually active reported that their first sexual intercourse was forced [1][2][3].…”

Bahamian Men's Sexual Risks for HIV Infection

“…Similarly, Collins et al (2000) (Hoffman et al, 2011;Norman, Figueroa, Wedderburn, Byfield, Bourne, & Gebre, 2007). For example, Norman et al (2007) used data from a national-level reproductive health survey across three time periods (1996,2000,2004) among Jamaican male and female youth (ages 15 -24 years) to examine sexual behavior.…”

“…For example, Norman et al (2007) used data from a national-level reproductive health survey across three time periods (1996,2000,2004) among Jamaican male and female youth (ages 15 -24 years) to examine sexual behavior.…”