HIV/AIDS: Risk perception and Sexual Practices of Barbadian teenagers

by Marilyn Sealy Behaviour Change Communication Specialist National HIV/AIDS Commission Barbados

Problem  The major burden of the epidemic falls on the most productive sector of the society – age group  This demographic accounts for more than 75 per cent of the reported cases of HIV, AIDS and deaths  Youth are reporting high level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS

Problem cont’d  Barbadian youth continue to practice early sexual initiation, multiple sex partners and inconsistent/non-use of condoms  No behaviour change communication intervention targeting the Barbadian youth population, in particular the 15 to 19 year olds.

Objectives  To assess the respondents’ risk perception as it relates to contracting HIV/AIDS and their sexual practices.  To assess the social and environmental factors and behaviours that may contribute to the use/non-use of condoms as an HIV/AIDS prevention method.

Objectives cont’d  To investigate environmental factors which support/promote sexual activity.  To inform HIV/AIDS prevention communication programmes targeting youth years old

Justification  Early sexual activity continues unabated  The historical pattern of multiple partners and inconsistent condom use is evident  Research also suggests that this age group be considered as an extremely vulnerable population

Significance of study  The findings of the study will assist in guiding the NAP in the design of appropriate and effective safer sex communication initiatives

Literature Review  The Global HIV/AIDS Picture – response and interventions.  HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean – response and interventions  HIV/AIDS in Barbados – response and interventions

Theoretical Framework  The Health Belief Model (Hochbaum, 1958)  The Diffusion of Innovations theory (Rogers, 1995)  The Third Person Effect Theory (Davison, 1983)

Research Questions  Does the respondents’ risk perception of contracting HIV/AIDS have an influence on their current sexual practices?  What social and environmental factors contribute to the respondents’ risk of contracting HIV/AIDS as well as unsafe sexual practices in Barbados?

RQ’s cont’d  How do current HIV/AIDS prevention media messages influence their sexual attitudes and behaviours?  How can HIV/AIDS communications interventions be designed to target the needs of the target population?

Research Method – Qualitative  Focus group discussions  Field observations

Findings  Respondents’ Risk Perception 85% of respondents – sexually active 100% - aware that risky sexual behavior could lead to contracting HIV/STIs 50% - cited money, clothes, peer pressure as factors leading to sexual activity Sexual practices: included anal, oral and vaginal sex, mostly unprotected.

Findings Cont’d  Condom Use and other prevention methods 100%- very knowledgeable Two major methods: abstinence and condom use Only two respondents – monogamy 93%- condoms not effective in preventing HIV/AIDS 30% - sex was better without condoms

Findings Cont’d  Social and environmental factors supporting risky sexual practices: Barbados National Festival – Crop Over The Wet Fete

Influencers  85% - stated that calypsos and other music for the Crop Over season promoted sexual activity  85% - deejays at fetes and parties  Entertainers: calypsonians, etc

Field Observations  Wet Fete  Fore Day morning jump up

Shots of Fore-day Morning

Up Close and Personal at the Wet Fete

Safer sex media messages  100% - had seen messages in the media: radio, television, newspaper, posters, and billboards.  80% - believed the messages were targeting the general public and were not targeting them specifically.  100% - adamant that there should be a campaign targeting their age group

Conclusions  The participants’ risk perception of contracting HIV/AIDS had little influence on their current sexual practices  Very few were taking positive action to prevent HIV infection  The majority of the participants did not perceive themselves at risk

Recommendations  Design and produce communication interventions targeting this population  Use of entertainers and deejays in spreading the HIV/AIDS message  The NAP should capitalise more on popular events to push safer sex messages

Suggestions for further research  Further research to delve into other factors which might be preventing the practice of safer sex behaviours.  To investigate the role of deejays and their influence on the youth population in Barbados.  To investigate the influence of music on young people’s sexual behaviour.