HIV Risk Reduction among Young Minority Adults in Broward County

Abstract

We examined changes in perceptions of HIV risk, abstinence, condom use, and intentions to use condoms for disease protection among African American, Hispanic, Haitian, and Afro-Caribbean unmarried and married men and women living in Broward County, Florida. Data were collected through computer-assisted telephone interview surveys conducted during 2001, 2002, and 2003 with cross-sectional probability samples of 18-39 year old residents of 12 high AIDS incidence ZIP code areas. Perceptions of HIV risk increased over time for men, but not for women. Unmarried Haitian women 18-22 years old were most likely to report abstinence. Condom use during the last 12 months increased among sexually active respondents. Among residents reporting exposure to project interventions, condom use increased from 53.6% in 2001 to 64.7% in 2002 and 71.6% in 2003. HIV-prevention programs should (1) consider locally collected data; (2) take into account cultural, living situation, and other significant differences; and (3) be evaluated to assess differentiated impact.