HIV prevalence and related behaviors among sex workers in Jamaica.

BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were to estimate HIV prevalence among sex workers (SWs) in Jamaica and to identify risk factors associated with HIV infection. METHOD: Face to face interviews and HIV testing of 450 SWs across Jamaica were conducted in 2005. Participants were identified by key informants. RESULTS: About 9% of SWs were HIV-positive. HIV-positive SWs tended to be older, less educated, have a history of crack/cocaine use, and were less likely to be aware of the Ministry of Health's prevention programme. More than 90% of SWs reported having easy access to condoms and using condoms at last sex with local and tourist clients. However, 30% of SWs used condoms with nonpaying partners. Knowledge of HIV prevention methods was high but only 38.6% of SWs appropriately rejected myths about HIV transmission by mosquito bites and meal sharing. CONCLUSION: Prevention programmes targeting SWs must emphasize the risk associated with both paying and nonpaying sexual partners while providing knowledge about HIV prevention. Increased access to prevention programmes is likely to reduce HIV prevalence among this population.

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

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, p < 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%, p < 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.

Decreased condom breakage and slippage rates after counseling men at a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Jamaica.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to evaluate condom failure (breakage and slippage) rates before and those during a trial that provided instructions on correct condom use. METHOD: Our analysis was based on 314 men who presented with urethral discharge at Jamaica's largest sexually transmitted infection clinic and were enrolled into our 6-month trial. RESULTS: Participants reported breaking 18.5% (95% confidence interval=12.8-24.1%) of their condoms during the 7 days prior to the screening visit and having 3.5% (95% confidence interval=1.2-5.7%) of their condoms slip off completely. After the condom counseling provided during the screening visit, breakage rates decreased (p<.05) and remained below 10% throughout the trial. During in-depth interviews, the men who reported frequent condom failures cited (1) improper storage/exposure to heat, (2) improper handling while putting on condoms and (3) use of lubricants/improper lubricants as the possible reasons for their high failure rates. CONCLUSION: Although the rates of reported condom breakage and slippage decreased significantly after counseling, we need to improve the quality of condom counseling to further reduce failure rates.

Communicating contraceptive effectiveness: A randomized controlled trial to inform a World Health Organization family planning handbook.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare 3 different approaches for increasing clients' understanding of contraceptive effectiveness. STUDY DESIGN: We randomized 900 reproductive-age women in India and Jamaica to 1 of 3 charts presenting pregnancy risk. RESULTS: The most important reason for choosing a contraceptive was how well it prevents pregnancy (54%) followed by few side effects (17%). At baseline, knowledge about contraceptive effectiveness was poor. About half knew oral contraceptive pills are more effective than condoms (46%) and intrauterine devices are more effective than injectables (50%). All 3 charts improved knowledge significantly (P < .01) for these 2 questions. No chart improved knowledge better than any other (P > .05). The chart ranking contraceptive methods on a continuum was judged slightly easier to understand than the other 2 charts. CONCLUSION: Only with accurate understanding of pregnancy risk can clients make informed choices. Our results have already informed a global handbook for family planning providers to use the chart ranking contraceptive methods on a continuum.