Status attainment among high schoolers in the Caribbean

Background: Although AIDS deaths are declining among adults in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), HIV rates are still increasing among adolescents. This study examined sex and drug use behaviors among high school students 12-18 years old residing in T&T.

Method: Eight focus groups (N=67) among high school students and 19 key informant interviews were conducted as part of a larger multi-method study. Focus group sessions elicited data on personal and peer group sexual and drug use behavior. Key informant data were used to triangulate the findings from the focus group reports.

Results: Focus group participants identified status attainment as an important factor shaping HIV risk behaviors among their peers. Status was attained by participating in high risk behaviors such as substance use, and engaging in concurrent sexual relationships often involving unprotected sex with both high school peers and adult taxi drivers. Achieving status resulted in increased popularity, power and influence among students. The effectiveness of these status-earning strategies differed by gender. Contrary to boys, girls who participated in such behaviors were ostracized by some of their peers. This alienating experience exposed girls to further HIV risk by reproducing their patterns of sexual risk-taking.

Conclusion: Experimentation, perceived invulnerability to diseases, and gaining the acceptance and respect of one's peers characterize adolescence. High schoolers in T&T exposed themselves to HIV risk by engaging in risky behaviors in their attempt to earn status among their peers. Sex and substance use education and access to HIV testing for adolescents are imperative for HIV risk reduction.