Title: The importance of culture in HIV / AIDS prevention in Grenada.

POPLINE Document Number: 168838

Author(s):

Harris-Hastick EF
Modeste-Curwen C

Source citation:

Journal of HIV / AIDS Prevention and Education for Adolescents and Children, 2001;4(4):5-22.

Abstract:

It has been reported that by the end of 1999, the AIDS epidemic has left behind the cumulative total of 11.2 million orphans, defined as children who have lost their mothers before reaching the age of 15. The WHO further estimates that 5.3 million people including 600,000 children under age of 15, became infected with the virus that causes AIDS this year. Specifically, the data coming out of the Caribbean region show that HIV/AIDS has been moving into younger and younger population groups. About 83% of AIDS cases are diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 54 and almost half of these are diagnosed in people 23-34 years old. Mindful of the links between health behavior and the context of family and culture, the authors maintain that intervention strategies in West Indian communities like Grenada must take into account the broader cultural context. The purpose of this article is twofold: to examine the impact of HIV/AIDS in Grenada and to introduce cultural behaviors in the context of Grenadian family structure and communication styles which impact HIV prevention and intervention strategies. The goal is to set the contextual framework for the development of culturally responsive HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs targeted to young people and adolescents. Specific strategies for working parents and adolescents from this cultural group are recommended. (author's)

Keywords:

AIDS Prevention
North America
Age Factors
Social Problems
Delivery of Health Care
Personality
AIDS
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Americas
Developed Countries
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Health
Psychological Factors
Behavior