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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Kim Longfield, PhD, AIDSMark, Population Services International, 1120 19th Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036, 202-785-0072, klongfield@psi.org and Megan Klein, BA, Research Division, Population Services International, 1120 19th Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036.
Introduction: This study examines "trust" in sexual relationships and its role in risk perception for STDs/HIV. Surveys demonstrate that trusting one's partner is a major reason that youth do not use condoms. Focus group results from four countries enrich survey data and explore meanings of trust and its influence on risk perception. Methods: A total of 33 focus groups with youth aged 15-24 years were conducted in Eritrea, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Discussions covered definitions of trust, criteria for trustworthiness, risk perception for STDs/HIV, and expectations of trusted partners. Data analysis highlighted common and divergent themes on trust and its role in risk perception. Results: According to study participants, trusted partners are sexually faithful and concerned about one's emotional and financial needs. Indicators of trust include appearance, emotional cues, social conduct, and a relationship's seriousness. Youth said they were reluctant to learn about partners' sexual histories and assume partners are HIV negative. Compounding risk for STDs and HIV is early sexual activity with confirmation of trust occurring later. Condom use is abandoned once trust is established and betrayal of trust usually results in ending a relationship. Conclusions: Many youth assume they are not at risk for STDs/HIV because they trust their sexual partners. Study findings indicate that although youth use criteria to establish partners' trustworthiness, they fail to explore partners' sexual history or consider the consequences of not using condoms. In addition, sexual satisfaction, emotional fulfillment, and fear of relationships' end override youth's risk perception for STDs/HIV.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Youth, Risk Assessment
Related Web page: www.psi.org
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.