Violent relationship in young people and STD/AIDS risk

• Published in: Cadernos de saúde pública Vol. 19; no. 5; pp. 1437 - 1444
• Main Authors: Taquette, Stella R, Ruzany, Maria Helena, Meirelles, Zilah, Ricardo, Isabel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Brazil 01-09-2003
• Subjects: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - transmission; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Adult; Brazil; Condoms; Female; Focus Groups; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Opposite Sex Relations; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Risk; Risk Factors; Risk-Taking; Sexual Assault; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - transmission; Socioeconomic Factors; Venereal Diseases; Violence; Brazil
• ISSN: 0102-311X

To verify whether affective relationships involving violence are associated with increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including AIDS, we conducted a survey among youth 14 to 22 years of age residing in two low-income communities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We used a qualitative methodology with focal groups and individual interviews. Violence is part of the routine among these youth in both their community and families. The following factors were associated with violence in interpersonal relations: lack of money, unemployment, drug and alcohol use, jealousy, and infidelity. The young people reported that condom use is not negotiated with violent partners, resulting in increased risk of STD/AIDS. The results indicate that violence is multi-factorial, and when present in interpersonal relationships it intervenes negatively in relation to protection against STD/AIDS.