AEGiS-10IAC: How socio-cultural behavior norms among Puerto Rican adolescents interfere with HIV prevention efforts.

10th International AIDS Conference

Yokohama, Japan — Aug 7-12, 1994

How socio-cultural behavior norms among Puerto Rican adolescents interfere with HIV prevention efforts.

Int Conf AIDS 1994 Aug 7-12; 10:395 (abstract no. PD0761)
Vera M, Alegria M, Castillo X; School of Public Health, Univ. of Puerto Rico, San Juan.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to examine social/sexual norms prevalent among adolescents and how they impact HIV risk behaviors.

METHODS: Data collection process consists in the administration of a structured interview to 117 adolescents and five focus groups with 53 adolescents residing in a low income neighborhood. A link-tracing network sampling technique was used to select respondents for the interview. The content of the interview and focus groups examined adolescents' sexual behaviors and norms. Chi-square statistics and content analysis were used to examine the associations under study.

RESULTS: Findings show that less than 25% of the adolescents who are sexually active report the use of condoms. Approximately two thirds report that condom use was not considered an appropriate risk reduction method because it implied partner distrust or previous infection. Prevalent social norms among Puerto Rican adolescents have a considerable impact on their sexual behavior.

CONCLUSION: AIDS primary prevention programs aimed at adolescents must address prevalent norms in the community and facilitate the development of community structures which permit behavioral norm redefinition.

Keywords: AEGIS, Hispanic Americans, Condoms, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Risk-Taking, Contraception Behavior, HIV Infections, Focus Groups, Contraception, Social Support, Adolescence, ethnology, prevention & control, ICA10
940807
PD0761