[Prevention of HIV among youth from Central American border communities]. / Prevención de ITS/VIH en jóvenes de comunidades fronterizas de Centroamérica.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine factors associated to prevention, STI/HIV medical attention and respect for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) among youth in Central American border communities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of a non-probabilistic sample (n=716) in border communities with and without preventive and medical care STI/ HIV interventions. Variables associated with having access to information, respect to PLWHA; HIV/STD tests, condom use and medical care were identified. RESULTS: Youth in communities with interventions have higher levels of information regarding STI/HIV, attitudes of respect toward PLWHA (94.1 vs. 75.3%) and access to HIV tests (50.8 vs. 14.7%). 52% of youngsters had intercourse. Condom use was higher among those who participated in preventive actions (60.5 vs. 50.9%) and those with international mobility (70.6 vs. 51.9%). 8.8% had STI symptoms; only 55% sought medical attention. CONCLUSION: Community interventions are associated with higher levels of information, respect for the rights of PLWHA and access to tests among youth; condom use is related to direct participation in program interventions.