Abstract
Knowledge about risky sexual behavior among young people has been widely acknowledged as a key tool to controlling the spread of HIV. This article aimed at presenting the risk behavior of Brazilian Army conscripts toward HIV infection according to the country's geographic regions. . We collected data from 37,282 conscripts, aged 17 to 22, during enlistment in the Brazilian Army in 2016. The prevalence of HIV infection, both self-reported and measured through laboratory results, and risk behavior factors were estimated by region. 75% of the sample of conscripts reported to have already started sexual activity, and the average age of their sexual initiation was 15. Condom use varied according to the type of sexual relationship, being lower among steady partners and greater among less stable relationships. HIV prevalence assessed by laboratory tests was 0.12% across the country and the highest prevalence was observed in the North region (0.24%). Alcohol and illicit drug usage was higher in the South region. The study allowed the observation of risk behavior monitoring for HIV infection among young Brazilians. Lower condom usage among steady partners may be contributing to an increase in the number of HIV-infected individuals. Results suggest the need to intensify prevention campaigns to disseminate safe sex practices among young people, in addition to the expansion of testing offer to this population.
Highlights
IntroductionSince 1996 the Brazilian Department of Surveillance, Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV/AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (DIAHV) of the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Brazilian Ministry of Defense has conducted probabilistic sample surveys to determine HIV prevalence, as well as to collect data on sexual and risk behaviors among Brazilian Army conscripts
Knowledge about risky sexual behavior among young people has been widely acknowledged as a key tool to controlling the spread of HIV
As for individuals who reported having paid for sexual intercourse in the last year, the Southeast was the region with the highest percentage (3.7%), exactly one point higher than the total in Brazil
Summary
Since 1996 the Brazilian Department of Surveillance, Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV/AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (DIAHV) of the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Brazilian Ministry of Defense has conducted probabilistic sample surveys to determine HIV prevalence, as well as to collect data on sexual and risk behaviors among Brazilian Army conscripts. The focus population was young men aged from 17 to 22, in submission to compulsory military service These studies generated prevalence information on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as the monitoring of sexual risk behavior among Brazilian conscripts. Studies to determine the factors involved in risky sexual behavior among young people have been recognized as key tools to control the spread of HIV6-9 These factors include the sexual practice between male partners, unprotected sex, the great multiplicity of sexual partnerships, and use of alcohol and drugs
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