Fatores Contribuintes da Vulnerabilidade Individual dos Jovens ao HIV

Abstract

Introduction: In the decision-making process, the development of effective strategies to minimize vulnerability of young people to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the understanding of background determinants in which they interact, are important auxiliary tools for HIV prevention. Objective: To outline the contributing factors for individual vulnerability of young people to HIV infection. Material and Methods: This was a population-based survey with 417 individuals from elementary schools in the city of Joao Pessoa, PB, Brazil. A questionnaire was used to collect the data, which were analyzed through statistical inference using the Chi-square (χ2) test. Results: The results demonstrated statistical evidence of association of the sociodemographic variables (p-value<0.0001), initiation of sexual life, and vulnerable behavior due to multiple partners, as determinants of individual vulnerability of young people to HIV. Study participants declared themselves Latin-Americans (54.9 %); not performing any labor activity by then (82.7 %); with family income up to two minimum wages (62.1%); and with no affective/sexual relationship (46.3%). The majority of respondents (88.2%) reported not having had sexual intercourses with multiple partners over the past six months. Conclusion: The vulnerability trends point to feminization and pauperization of HIV infection. Thus, to a greater or lesser extent all social actors of the health-illness process may be vulnerable to HIV. DESCRIPTORS HIV. Adolescent Health. Health Vulnerability.