Alcohol, drugs, sexual behavior, and HIV in Trinidad and Tobago--the way forward

J Int Assoc Physicians AIDS Care (Chic). 2012 Jan-Feb;11(1):66-82. doi: 10.1177/1545109711416245. Epub 2011 Aug 4.

Abstract

The HIV epidemic in Trinidad and Tobago is primarily heterosexual, fueled by a high level of risky sex, gender inequality, and alcohol and drug use; however, the influence of alcohol and drugs has been neglected in the literature. Research shows that current HIV prevention approaches have failed to substantially impact sexual behavior change. This may be so because they do not incorporate a comprehensive understanding of the sociocultural factors underlying sexual behavior. There is an urgent need to understand how socially accepted patterns of alcohol and drug use contribute to sexual behaviors and HIV risk in Trinidad and Tobago. Moreover, specialized, evidence-based interventions are needed for HIV-infected substance abusers. Using an adaptation of the cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) protocol, this intervention project aimed to assess effectiveness in reducing relapse and risky behaviors among recovering HIV-infected substance abusers in Trinidad and Tobago.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Alcohol Drinking / prevention & control*
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs
  • Pilot Projects
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Trinidad and Tobago / epidemiology
  • Unsafe Sex / prevention & control*
  • Unsafe Sex / psychology

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs