High prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in young women seeking HIV testing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
Few data are available on the prevalence of and risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) other than HIV in Brazil.


OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
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 HIV-infected partner. Other STDs were significantly associated with younger age at first intercourse, heavy alcohol consumption, and marijuana use.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Cook
Robert L
RL
Division of General Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. cookrl@upmc.edu
May
Silvia
S
Harrison
Lee H
LH
Moreira
Ronaldo I
RI
Ness
Roberta B
RB
Batista
Sônia
S
Bastos
Marilena Da Silva
Mda S
Schechter
Mauro
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health