Exploring HIV /AIDS and sexually transmitted infection risk, disease transmission knowledge, parental influence, and cultural stigma for young Haitian women via internet -based focus groups and interviews

Globally, over 33.2 to 40 million people are living with HIV. Women account for over 50% of that number, while half of newly infected individuals are between the ages of 15 to 24 years. Over 5,000 new infections occur daily, while adolescents and young adults constitute the fastest growing population of newly infected cases of HIV worldwide. HIV/AIDS prevalence rates among 15 to 24 year olds are highest in sub-Saharan Africa, while Haiti faces the worst AIDS epidemic outside of Africa and bears the greatest burden of HIV in the Western Hemisphere. Within this context, there is an urgent need for culturally appropriate prevention interventions tailored to meet the needs of young women in Haiti. This study used qualitative methods in order to obtain information for use in this process.;Young Haitian women age 18 and above participated in a focus group (n=4) and interviews (n=17) were conducted online at a secure Internet site, using a novel chat format. In addition, Haitian nurses participated in a focus group (N=4) and interviews (N=3).;Findings indicated the extent to which young girls living in poverty are vulnerable to engagement in transactional sexual relationships with older men, being pressured to do so, typically in exchange for gifts, favors, money, school fees, and food for themselves and their families. Cultural patterns uncovered include a taboo on parents discussing sex with children, a cultural silence around HIV/AIDS, and tremendous stigmatization of those with HIV. There was also evidence of serious gaps in HIV/AIDS knowledge. Results suggest the need for mandatory school-based HIV/AIDS and human sexuality education, while the church can also play a role. Given how AIDS is the leading cause of death in Haiti, priority must be placed on instituting such interventions, while emergent themes also suggested how the ultimate solution to the epidemic in Haiti must include socio-environmental-political stabilization of the country.;Health educators need to lead multi-pronged efforts to stem the growing tide of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This includes instituting and directing HIV/AIDS peer education training programs, while technology experts are needed to assist in the creation of web-based interventions.