Risk Perception for STIs and HIV among Antenatal and Family Planning Clients

Pansy Hamilton, University of the West Indies at Mona
Jean Jackson, University of the West Indies at Mona
Amy Lee, University of the West Indies at Mona
Joan Leitch, University of the West Indies at Mona

Perceived risk and preventive actions for STIs/HIV were determined in a cross sectional random sample of 100 antenatal and 103 family planning clients using a questionnaire. Mean age was 28.4 years, education and employment statuses were similar. Family planning clients knew less about HIV/AIDS (p = 0.0001) and were more likely to have never used a condom (Fisher’s Exact p = 0.0249). Both groups had similar and positive attitudes to condom use. Risk perception was similar for STI/HIV, antenatal (93.3%) and family planning (89.7%) reported low risk. Antenatal clients had five times more repeat cases of STIs. Family planning clients were less likely to have used a condom at last sexual intercourse. The main behaviour change reported regarding risk perception was consistent condom use. Sex the last 5 times with steady partners saw 54% antenatal and 37% family planning clients not using a condom, only 25% and 5% respectively endorsed its use in stable relationships.