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HIV/AIDS: Risk perception and Sexual Practices of Barbadian teenagers
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by Marilyn Sealy Behaviour Change Communication Specialist National HIV/AIDS Commission Barbados
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Problem The major burden of the epidemic falls on the most productive sector of the society – 20-54 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
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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.
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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.
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Objectives cont’d To investigate environmental factors which support/promote sexual activity. To inform HIV/AIDS prevention communication programmes targeting youth 15-19 years old
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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
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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
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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
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Theoretical Framework The Health Belief Model (Hochbaum, 1958) The Diffusion of Innovations theory (Rogers, 1995) The Third Person Effect Theory (Davison, 1983)
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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?
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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?
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Research Method – Qualitative Focus group discussions Field observations
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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.
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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
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Findings Cont’d Social and environmental factors supporting risky sexual practices: Barbados National Festival – Crop Over The Wet Fete
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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
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Field Observations Wet Fete Fore Day morning jump up
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Shots of Fore-day Morning
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Up Close and Personal at the Wet Fete
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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