Multiple partnerships and risk for HIV among the Garífuna minority population in Belize

作     者：Justin Buszin Benjamin Nieto-Andrade Jorge Rivas Kim Longfield 

作者机构：Pan American Social Marketing Organization Guatemala City Guatemala Research and Metrics Department Population Services International Washington DC USA 

出 版 物：《Health》 (健康（英文）)

年 卷 期：2012年第4卷第8期

页      面：474-482页

学科分类：1002[医学-临床医学] 100214[医学-肿瘤学] 10[医学] 

主　　题：Garífuna Belize Multiple Partnerships HIV STI 

摘      要：Belize has the highest rates of HIV infection in Central America and is experiencing a generalized epidemic. The Garífuna, a minority ethnic population, is at risk for HIV. This study uses survey data from Garífuna men and women to examine the frequency of multiple partnerships as well as sociodemographic characteristics and behavioral constructs correlated with having multiple partners. A high proportion of respondents reported having multiple partners, but rates were significantly higher for men, and men had a higher mean number of partners than women. A high proportion of respondents reported having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last year, with more men reporting a history of STIs than women. Regression results show the importance of improving men and women’s perceived susceptibility for HIV and encouraging them to know their HIV status. Reinforcing a social norm for partner reduction would also benefit men. Study findings support the need for HIV counseling and testing in Garífuna communities as well as STI prevention, diagnosis and treatment. This study demonstrates that reducing multiple partnerships among Garífuna men and women is critical for reducing the spread of HIV in Belize.