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.