High Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Young Women Seeking HIV Testing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• Published in: Sexually transmitted diseases 2004-01, Vol.31 (1), p.67-72
• Main Authors: COOK, ROBERT L., MAY, SILVIA, HARRISON, LEE H., MOREIRA, RONALDO I., NESS, ROBERTA B., BATISTA, SÔNIA, DA SILVA BASTOS, MARILENA, SCHECHTER, MAURO
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Biological and medical sciences; Brazil - epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; General aspects; HIV; HIV Infections - epidemiology; HIV Infections - etiology; HIV Infections - prevention & control; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human infectious diseases. Experimental studies and models; Human viral diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Medical sciences; Medical screening; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Sexually transmitted diseases; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - epidemiology; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - etiology; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - prevention & control; Socioeconomic Factors; STD; Surveys and Questionnaires; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the lymphoid tissue and the blood. Aids; Women; Women's Health
• ISSN: 0148-5717; 1537-4521
• DOI: 10.1097/01.OLQ.0000105004.85419.17

Background and Objectives: Few data are available on the prevalence of and risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) other than HIV in Brazil. Goal: The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV infection and other STDs in Brazilian women who seek HIV testing, investigate risk factors for these infections, and assess feasibility of screening in HIV test clinic settings. Study Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 200 women, aged 14 to 29 years, who attended an HIV testing site in central Rio de Janeiro. Participants completed a questionnaire and received testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Results: HIV and other STDs were common (HIV 8%, syphilis 6.5%, chlamydial infection 8%, and gonorrhea 9.5%). HIV was significantly associated with lower education and with having an HIVinfected partner. Other STDs were significantly associated with younger age at first intercourse, heavy alcohol consumption, and marijuana use. Conclusion: STDs appear to be substantial health problems among young Brazilian women seeking HIV testing. HIV testing sites in Brazil should consider offering screening and treatment for STDs and substance abuse as part of their HIV prevention services.