Journal of Poverty
Volume 12, Issue 3, 2008, Pages 333-350

Communication and information about "Safer sex": Intervention issues within communities of African migrants living in poorer neighborhoods in Portugal (Article)

Gaspar de Matos M.* , Gaspar T. , Simons-Morton B. , Reis M. , Ramiro L.
  • a FMH, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Aventura Social Project, 1499 Lisboa codex, Portugal
  • b FMH, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Aventura Social Project, 1499 Lisboa codex, Portugal
  • c Prevention Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States
  • d FMH, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Aventura Social Project, 1499 Lisboa codex, Portugal
  • e FMH, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Aventura Social Project, 1499 Lisboa codex, Portugal

Abstract

The aims of this study are to determine the influence of migrant status on sexual behavior and communication about "safer sex" and to identify ethnic-specific prevention issues. Data were obtained from a special administration of the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) survey in a special sample of Portuguese schools located in low-income Lisbon neighborhoods with large proportions of African migrants. Survey participants included 919 sixth, eighth, and tenth graders (52.3% female), of whom 19.2% were migrant foreigners from African, Portuguese-speaking countries, including Cape Verde (60.8%), Mozambique (1.6%), Angola (16.8%), Sao Tome (8%), and Guinea-Bissau (14.8%). Subsequently, four focus groups were held with adolescents who had participated in the survey (n = 45), three focus groups with health and education professionals (n = 25), and one focus group with parents (n = 6). Compared with Portuguese adolescents, African migrant teens reported initial sexual intercourse at earlier ages, less frequent condom use, and less frequent and less comfortable communications with parents about sexual issues. Implications for selective prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are discussed and recommendations are made. © 2008 by The Haworth Press. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Sexual risk communication Ethnicity Information HIV prevention poverty

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-65749207983&doi=10.1080%2f10875540802198628&partnerID=40&md5=870c3ea7a6e5eedf7a3f7c56782a4219
DOI: 10.1080/10875540802198628
ISSN: 10875549
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English