Social and Psychological Influences on HIV Preventive Behaviors of Youth in Haiti

Purpose: To examine HIV/AIDS prevention-related sexual behaviors and identify potential predictors of those behaviors among youth living in Haiti.

Methods: Data were gathered from a cross-sectional survey conducted with 845 youth, aged 15-19 years, attending 12 primary and/or secondary schools. A subsample of the 491 students who were sexually active comprised the study sample. Data were collected using a theory-based, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression using SPSS for Windows.

Results: Only 18% of sexually active adolescents reported always or sometimes using condoms and 27% reported having used a condom the last time they had sex. Over 40% (43%) had had three or more lifetime sex partners. Findings from the multivariate logistic regression analyses indicate that consistent condom use, condom use at last sexual intercourse, and fewer lifetime sexual partners were significantly associated with high levels of self-efficacy to communicate about HIV/AIDS or use a condom. Significant negative associations were found among consistent condom use, condom use at last sex, and high barriers to condom use. Fewer lifetime sexual partners was significantly associated with high peer preventive norms and low traditional gender norms.

Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of providing HIV prevention programs for young people in the study communities which enhance effective sexual communication and negotiation skills, target prevention-oriented social norms, and address how to overcome barriers to condom use.