HIV Transmission and Alcohol in the Caribbean: An Agenda for Social Work

ABSTRACT

This paper overviews the twin epidemics of HIV/AIDS and alcohol use in the Caribbean (specifically the countries and territories included in the Greater and Lesser Antilles and Bahamas), and potential linkages between drinking and risky sexual behavior. Highlighting the needs for research and intervention identified by Caribbean social workers, educators, health care providers, and government officials, we suggest ways social workers both in the Caribbean and abroad can contribute to exploring the co-morbidity of alcohol use and risk for sexual HIV transmission. Data addressing the potential link between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors are urgently needed to inform prevention and intervention policies and programs at the national and regional level.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV/AIDS
• alcohol
• social workers
• Caribbean