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HIV vulnerable groups research: the potential impact of an HIV epidemic could be devastating for the Solomon Islands
G. Herdy1, G.H. Nuia2
1Save the Children in Solomon Islands, HIV/STI Prevention Project, Honiara, Solomon Islands, 2Save the Children Australia, SI, HIV and AIDS Prevention Project, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Fear, misinformation about HIV, and the scarcity of HIV-testing services mean tha few Solomon Islanders have ever been tested for the virus.Recent research revealed that the risk of HIV infection in the Solomon Islands is high. It showed awareness about sex is low and that females aged between 13 and 25 are. Along with other research, these reports have also indicted high levels of unprotected sex-especially among young people resulting in a continous increase in reported STIs and teenage pregnancies
Background: The research was conducted to assess the sexual behaviors and situations of youth, SWs and MSM, its purpose is to strengthen the evidence base to inform HIV interventions for these three groups. Data will give us (SCA) and other stakeholders including the Solomon Islands National AIDS Council - a deeper insight into the situations, issues and other needs of these groups, and enable the design of evidence -based HIV programs.
Methods: The research was qualitative study; a formative research strategy whereby qualitative data was gathered to obtain a deeper insight and understanding of the situations of the target groups. Qualitative data collection methods included focus group discussions (FGD), individual in-depth interviews (IDI) with study subjects, and key informant interviews (KIs). Observations took place at all sites. Interviews observed interaction between people living within these communities and used this knowledge to verify stories collected from interviews. Debriefing sessions were also held at all sites and were used to discuss the stories and observations captured outside of formal interviews.
Results: In all of the locations among all study groups, evidence of one or several forms of risky sexual behaviors were reported. in this report risky sexual practices refer to any activity that contributes to an enviroment conducive to the transmission of HIV/STIs.
Multiple sex partner, Low and inconsistent condom use, Health seeking practices for Sexually transmitted infections, Drugs, alcohol and sexual violence, teenage pregnancy, Sexual exploitation, Low level of HIV/ AIDS and STI knowledge and stigma and discrimination.
Researchers planned to conduct a total of 400 individual interviews, however the final total increased by 232.
Conclusions: The following recommendations can be used to guide HIV interventions. However, consideration must be given to the continous changes that occur within lives of intended beneficiarie.
Keywords: peer education, condom distribution, STI/HIV services including VCCT, outreach, Collaboration with private sectors.
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