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Attitudes and Behaviors of Caribbean Women and Men Toward Partner Violence and Sexual Relationships

Monday, 25 July 2016: 10:20 AM

Doris W. Campbell, PhD, MA, BSN, ARNP, FAAN
School of Nursing/Caribbean NIMHD Exploratory Research Center, University of the Virgin Islands, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Virgin Islands (U.S.)
Jacquelyn Campbell, PhD, MSN, BSN, RN
Department of Community/Public Health Nursing, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
Kamila A. Alexander, PhD, MSN/MPH, RN
Community and Public Health Nursing, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
Gloria B. Callwood, PhD, MN, BSN, RN, FAAN
Caribbean Exploratory NIMHD Research Center, School of Nursing, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands (U.S.)
Desiree Bertrand, MSN, BSN, RN
School of Nursing, University of the Virgin Islands, Kingshill, Virgin Islands (U.S.)
Phyllis Sharps, PhD, MS, BSN, RN, FAAN
Department of Community Health, The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
Noelle M. St. Vil, PhD, MSW, BA
School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

Purpose:

The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) has the 2nd highest HIV/AIDS incidence rate in the United States and its territories (US Virgin Islands, 2010). Additionally, one-third of USVI women reports physical and/or sexual abuse in their lifetime and experiences of coercive, unprotected sex and other behaviors that increase risks for HIV/AIDS (Draughon JE1, 2015; Stockman JK, 2013; Stockman, 2014). There is scant research that aims to understand USVI women and men’s perceptions of heterosexual relationship dynamics or implications for HIV/AIDS risks and intimate partner violence.   The purpose of this study was to describe young heterosexual  women and men’s attitudes and behaviors toward relationship conflict and sexual activities in the USVI.

Methods:

 Qualitative methods using focus group discussions were employed to elicit participants’ attitudes and perceptions. Women and men from the US Virgin Islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix were recruited to participate in the groups.  We held one focus group of women on each Island and separate focus groups of men on each Island. The focus group objectives were to elicit information about intimate partner abuse and sexual health risks among men and women in the USVI.  Interviews were conducted with small groups (4-8) by gender after participants were consented and signed confidentiality pledges.  We performed directed content analysis of transcripts and uncovered separate themes from both the women and men’s groups.

Results:

Themes underlying attitudes, perceptions and experiences of partner abuse identified by women emerged and included  1) Female vulnerability and male dominance/control in relationships 2) Perceptions of community silence on topic of partner abuse and stigmatization 3) Lack of community resources and   4) Resistance to safe sexual practices by abusive partners and increased STI/HIV risks.  Male participants in the focus groups identified themes related to 1) Upholding gender expectations; 2) Fearing loss of control; and 3) Deflecting responsibilities. Male participants described attitudes as underpinnings to subsequent violent responses and sexual behavior decisions. These findings demonstrate the complex ways culturally-framed norms intersect with sexual health behaviors. The USVI is unique due to its position as a U.S. territory infused with the cultural expectations of a Caribbean island.

Conclusion:

Results from this qualitative research provided the basis for our researchers and practitioners to develop a culturally sensitive intimate partner violence empowerment program for abused African Caribbean women in the USVI. Using concepts of culture and context we adapted intervention materials to the USVI context that have been used successfully with abused women of African American and/or Hispanic origin in mainland USA settings but not yet in the US Virgin Islands. The interventions include a previously developed and tested structured IPV intervention Domestic Violence Enhanced Home Visitation (DOVE),(Bhandari S, 2015)  and the well validated culturally sensitive Sister-to-Sister skills intervention to reduce sex risk behaviors and prevent new STD infections (Jemmott LS, 2007)

See more of: HIV and Intimate Partner Violence: Risks and Relationships Among Women
See more of: Research Sessions: Symposia