Characterization of HIV-Associated Behaviors in Young People and Adults in Northern Chile

Confirmed HIV/AIDS cases are increasing year by year. HIV is mainly transmitted through sexual risk behaviors and other associated behavioral factors such as perceived HIV risk, sexual self-concept, and attitude toward condom use, among others. Given that new HIV cases are concentrated in northern Chile, the purpose of this study was to characterize behaviors associated with HIV exposure in a sample of young people and young adults from the Norte Grande region of Chile using a cross-sectional, descriptive design, with non-probabilistic accidental sampling by quotas (sex, educational level, and city of residence). A total of 1037 young people and adults from the 5 main cities of Chile’s Norte Grande (Arica, Iquique, Alto Hospicio, Antofagasta, and Calama) were surveyed. Data were collected using 6 scales relating to behaviors associated with HIV exposure. Detailed item-level descriptions showed that inadequate condom use, mainly with non-penetrative genital contact, multiple sexual partners, and the use of alcohol and drugs as an active agent in sexual encounters are common practices. Most participants perceive themselves as susceptible to acquiring HIV, consider that condom use reduces sexual pleasure, manifest conservative tendencies in terms of sexual motivation, and report being satisfied with typically monogamous sexual practices. Finally, limitations are discussed, and it is recommended to use these results in the design of sexual health programs and the identification of target populations.