Predictors of HIV-protective behaviours in adolescents and young adults in Costa Rica

Abstract

Background: Given the scarce prevention efforts in Costa Rica, investigations into protective behaviours are needed. The present cooperative project aimed to establish predictors for HIV-protective behaviours among young men and women aged between 15 and 24 years and to test a contextualised, extended Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills-Model (eIMB Model). It explored: What HIV prevention information, motivation, behavioural skills and resources do men and women between 15 and 24 in Costa Rica possess and which factors are barriers to condom use? Does a contextualised eIMB Model predict condom use in this population? Are variables predicting condom use different in sub-populations, such as in men vs. women, adolescents vs. young adults, in men having sex with men, migrants or in rural vs. urban contexts? Methods: The study had a mixed methods design combining a qualitative exploratory investigation with a subsequent, standardised quantitative survey. Findings: The project identified personal HIV protection strategies adopted by adolescents and young adults in Costa Rica as well as concrete inhibitors of condom use experienced by women and men in this age group. Data analysis further established the predictors of condom use with casual or stable partners and evidences that the explanatory power of the extended IMB Model exceeds that of the traditional IMB Model. The eIMB Model lends itself to underpin the development of sound prevention offers for young adults in Costa Rica.