Prevalence of High-risk Sexual Behaviour in Jamaican Adults and Its Relationship to Sociodemographic and Religious Factors: Findings from the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2007−2008

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviours among Jamaican adults and evaluate associations with sociodemographic and religious factors. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study, using a nationally representative sample of Jamaicans, 15−74 years old. Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire including questions on sexual activity, sociodemographic factors and religious practice. Having two or more sexual partners in the past year, non-use of condoms among persons with multiple partners and a history of previous sexually transmitted infection (STI) were the high-risk characteristics considered in the analysis. We obtained crude and category specific prevalence estimates for high-risk behaviour and estimated odds ratios for association with sociodemographic and religious factors. Results: Data from 2833 participants who reported on sexually activity were analysed. Approximately 25% (95% CI 22, 27) of Jamaican adults had two or more sexual partners in the past year, while 15% (95% CI 13, 17) had a past history of an STI. Approximately 6% (95% CI 5, 7) of persons with multiple partners did not use condoms during sexual intercourse. Overall, 32% (95% CI 30, 35) had any one of the three high-risk characteristics (male, 48%; female, 17%, p < 0.001). Being married, active religious practice and weekly attendance at religious meetings were associated with lower odds of high-risk sexual behaviour, while being in a visiting relationship was associated with higher odds of high-risk behaviour. Conclusion: A third of Jamaicans reported sexual practices that increase their risk of HIV infection. High-risk sexual behaviour was more common among men. Being married and weekly attendance at religious services were associated with lower odds of high-risk behaviour.

Social Representations, Vulnerability And Religious Beliefs Of The Elderly About Hiv/Aids: An Integrative Review

“…It is considered that these results are similar among seniors from different countries, as international papers also showed some of the factors, such as the study of Jamaican where 31% of men and 5% of women aged between 55 and 74 years old, engage in high-risk sexual practices [19].…”

“…Elderly people who reported practice their religion and respect the established dogmas had less sexual risk behavior in a study conducted in Jamaica [19].…”

Interactive effect of TLR SNPs and exposure to sexually transmitted infections on prostate cancer risk in Jamaican men

“…It is interesting to note that the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Study II (JHLS II) which is a survey of a nationally representative sample in Jamaica, reported a STI prevalence in men of 18.2% (95% CI, 15.4%–21.3%) 36 . The prevalence of a history of STIs in our study was significantly higher than what has been reported in Jamaica and may reflect a bias due to recruitment of the study sample from the hospital and urologist practices.…”

Young Australians’ experiences of sexual healthcare provision by general practitioners

“…This includes those with a history of ≥1 STI. [15][16][17] Currently, PFSHS triage these young people to their GPs for sexual healthcare.…”