Challenges to HIV Prevention in Young Adults in the English-Speaking Caribbean: The Case in Rural Eastern Jamaica

Abstract

This article presents findings from qualitative interviews with persons involved with HIV/AIDS prevention and youth development initiatives in rural Eastern Jamaica. Key informants were asked to describe the HIV/AIDS prevention strategies being employed in the region. Informants were also asked to share perspectives on challenges to HIV prevention with young adults in this setting. HIV/AIDS prevention strategies included: peer education, HIV talks and condom use demonstrations at family planning centers and the local health clinic, information dissemination at community events, and guest lectures with follow-up discussions during youth meetings and social development programs. Preoccupation with economic survival versus personal protection, denial of risk, fatalistic attitude, and ongoing struggle with low self-esteem, particularly among young adult females, were identified as reasons the message of prevention and willingness to practice personal protection was often rejected.

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