Abstract
Brazil has a concentrated HIV epidemic among key populations.In 2009, the Ministry of Health conducted a survey in 10 Brazilian cities aiming to estimate HIV prevalence, knowledge, and associated risk behaviors of polysubstance users (PSU). Using Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS), 3449 PSU were recruited, answered an Audio-Computer Self Assisted Interview (ACASI)and were tested for HIV and syphilis. Analyses were weighted by individual's social network size generated on RDSAT. Pooled HIV prevalence was 5.8% but varied across cities. Most PSU were male,non-white,without income, unemployed, with low levels of education. Overall, 12.0% used injectable drugs, 48.7% had sex with occasional partners and 46.4% engaged in commercial sex. A majority received free condoms (71.4%) but 76.7% exhibited inconsistent condom use.Findingscan support policies aiming to improve health care and preventive interventions tailored to this population thatremains at high risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV/STI in multiple scenarios.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call