The link between drug use and HIV/AIDS among young people in ...

2. Background of the Study
Drugs use and HIV/AIDS transmission are major concerns affecting youth in the Caribbean. There is
some evidence of a correlation between drug use and risky sexual behaviors leading to HIV/AIDS
infection. Such links are associated with lifestyles adopted by young people. In Grenada, risky
behaviors such as early sexual experience, multiple partners and drug use remain problematic. A major
problem affecting the youth is the lack of information or the misconceptions related to these issues.
Methods used to transmit preventive messages are viewed as inadequate and do not have the desired
impact on youth. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the
AIDS Secretariat in Grenada launched the Youth-Centred Drug Abuse and HIV/AIDS Prevention in
Grenada Project in 2002 that includes the implementation of research to better understand the
relationship between drug use and HIV/AIDS in Grenada. The present report constitutes the findings
of this particular research. The results will be utilized to provide proper information to youth and to
develop a peer education programme and alternative activities under the umbrella of the 2-year
project. These activities will not only provide life-skills training to youth but also aim to empower
them by ensuring their participation in the planning, implementation and organization of these
activities. A Youth Forum will also be established to facilitate the exchange of information, to discuss
issues and problems affecting youth and to identify possible solutions.
2.1 Objectives
The study underscored the following objectives:
1. Gain an understanding of the perception of youth of the link between drug use and HIV/AIDS.
2. Study and identify risky behavior among youth as it relates to drug use and HIV/AIDS.
3. Identify and assess current interventions geared towards the reduction and eradication of
substance abuse and HIV/AIDS.
4. Provide an analysis of risky behavior among youth as it relates to drug use and HIV/AIDS (i.e.
sexual behavior).
5. Study youth views of the current intervention programmes.
6. Conduct a needs assessment among youth in relation to prevention strategies and make
effective recommendations for implementation of programmes to promote positive youth
attitudes and behavior.
2.2 Operational Definitions
For the purpose of this study the following definitions were used:
Out of school -
school dropouts or persons who have failed to complete their formal education
or secondary schooling and are predominantly of the lower socio-economic
sector.
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