Objective:

To identify the perceptions of condom use in Haitian migrants in the northwestern border of Mexico.

Materials and methods:

Study with a qualitative approach and ethnographic design, on board seven Haitian migrants in the border area of the city of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, with whom a semi-structured interview was developed, the information was analyzed by the NVivo program, to understand the frequency and structure of the data; later a process of categorization, interpretation and theorization of the study phenomenon was carried out. Out of a total of 281 units of analysis, a categorization process was carried out, which made it possible to structure two categories, six subcategories and 12 codes.

Results:

It is identified that the use of condoms in Haitian migrants is interpreted as an element of protection of sexual health in the prevention of unplanned pregnancies; however, barriers and consequences of use are identified on a personal, cultural and religious level. The construction of the idea of using it relies on the type of relationship and level of trust that one has in the sexual partner, so being married or living in a common-law relationship exempts the obligation or social commitment of using the condom. Likewise, the idea of protection does not reflect the concern about the transmission of STIs.

Conclusions:

The condom is perceived as an important element for the prevention of unintended pregnancies and HIV, however, the presence of personal, sensory and ideological factors limit the constant use of the condom; Therefore, the development of culturally adapted interventions for the Haitian migrant population, in the context of the northern border of Mexico, can strengthen condom use and HIV prevention.

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