Factors Associated With Risk Behaviors for Sexually Transmitted Disease/AIDS Among Urban Brazilian Women: A Population-Based Study

• Published in: Sexually transmitted diseases Vol. 29; no. 9; pp. 536 - 541
• Main Authors: SILVEIRA, MARIÂNGELA F., BÉRIA, JORGE U., HORTA, BERNARDO L., TOMASI, ELAINE, VICTORA, CESAR G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hagerstown, MD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 01-09-2002; Lippincott
• Subjects: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - epidemiology; Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Brazil - epidemiology; Demography; Female; Human viral diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - epidemiology; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tropical medicine; Urban Population; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the lymphoid tissue and the blood. Aids; South America; Brazil; America; Human; Immunopathology; Urban environment; Sexual behavior; AIDS; Urban area; Immune deficiency; Infection; Sexually transmitted disease; Viral disease; Risk factor; Female; Woman
• ISSN: 0148-5717; 1537-4521
• DOI: 10.1097/00007435-200209000-00008

Background: The proportion of women among persons with sexually transmitted disease (STD)/AIDS in Brazil is increasing rapidly, and studies are needed to understand risk behaviors. Goal: The goal of this study was to identify factors associated with risk behaviors for acquiring STD/AIDS among women aged 15 to 49 years in Pelotas, Brazil. Study Design: A representative sample of women was surveyed by means of interviewer-administered and self-administered confidential questionnaires. Of the women we sought to include, 3.5% refused and 1543 participated. Results: Risk behaviors included nonuse of condoms (72%); first intercourse before the age of 18 years (47%); use of drugs or alcohol by the partner (14%) or by the woman (7%); multiple partners (7%); and anal sex (3%). The risk score was significantly associated with being younger than age 30 years, having <5 years of schooling, being divorced or separated, and being a smoker. Conclusion: Preventive strategies should prioritize efforts toward young women, those with little schooling, smokers, and those who are divorced or separated.