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HIV Risk and Gender in Jamaica's Homeless Population
Nicola Skyers1, Sharlene Jarrett2, Willi McFarland2
1HIV/STI/Tb Unit, Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica. skyersn@moh.gov.jm.
Insights
HIV prevalence among homeless Jamaicans is high at 13.8%, with females disproportionately affected. Targeted, long-term interventions are crucial for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Limited rigorous data exists on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence and risk factors among the homeless population in Jamaica.
- Understanding the specific challenges faced by this demographic is critical for effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the HIV prevalence within the homeless population in Jamaica.
- To identify associated risk factors contributing to HIV transmission in this group.
- To inform the development of targeted HIV prevention and intervention programs.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2015.
- Venue-based sampling was employed in key urban centers: St. James, St. Ann, Kingston, and St. Andrew.
- Data was collected from 323 homeless individuals.
Main Results:
- The overall HIV prevalence was 13.8%.
- A significant gender disparity was observed, with 26.7% of females testing positive compared to 11.6% of males (P = .007).
- Commonly reported risk factors included sex work, multiple partnerships, incarceration, non-injecting drug use, and experiences of female rape.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a substantial HIV burden among homeless individuals in Jamaica, particularly affecting females.
- Urgent need for long-term, multi-layered, and female-focused HIV interventions.
- Further female-centric research is recommended to address specific vulnerabilities and inform tailored strategies.
Abstract:
Rigorous HIV-related data for the homeless population in Jamaica is limited. A cross-sectional survey using a venue-based sampling approach was conducted in 2015 to derive HIV prevalence and associated risk factors. Three hundred twenty-three homeless persons from the parishes of St. James, St. Ann, Kingston, and St. Andrew (the main urban centers) participated. HIV prevalence was 13.8%, with a difference in gender (males 11.6%, females 26.7%, P = .007). Sex work, multiple partnerships, incarceration, non-injecting drug use, and female rape were common among the participants. Long-term, multilayered, HIV-specific, female-focused interventions are required for the population, along with additional female-centric research.