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HIV Prevalence, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Polydrug Users in Brazil: A Biological Survey Using
Cremildo João Baptista1, Inês Dourado2, Tarcísio Matos de Andrade3
1Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia - DECIT, Secretaria de Ciência, Tecnologia e Insumos Estratégicos - SCTIE, Ministério da Saúde - Unidade IX, SCN Quadra 2, Bloco C - Sl. 01 - Térreo, Brasília, DF, 70712-902, Brazil. cjbaptista.moz@gmail.com.
AIDS and Behavior
|June 2, 2017
Summary
This study found a 5.8% HIV prevalence among polysubstance users (PSU) in 10 Brazilian cities. Inconsistent condom use was high, highlighting the need for targeted HIV prevention strategies for this key population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Brazil faces a concentrated HIV epidemic primarily affecting key populations.
- Polysubstance users (PSU) represent a significant group at risk for HIV infection and transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate HIV prevalence, knowledge, and risk behaviors among PSU in 10 Brazilian cities.
- To inform public health policies and interventions for HIV prevention in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted in 2009 involving 3449 PSU across 10 Brazilian cities.
- Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) and Audio-Computer Self-Assisted Interview (ACASI) were utilized.
- Participants were tested for HIV and syphilis, with analyses weighted by social network size.
Main Results:
- Pooled HIV prevalence was 5.8%, with significant variation across cities.
- The PSU population was predominantly male, non-white, unemployed, and had low education levels.
- High-risk behaviors included injectable drug use (12.0%), sex with occasional partners (48.7%), and commercial sex (46.4%), alongside inconsistent condom use (76.7%).
Conclusions:
- Polysubstance users in Brazil exhibit high HIV prevalence and engage in behaviors increasing transmission risk.
- Despite access to condoms, inconsistent use remains a major challenge.
- Findings underscore the urgent need for tailored healthcare and preventive interventions for PSU to mitigate HIV/STI spread.
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