title: Prevention of HIV infection among migrant population groups in Northeast Brazil.
abstract: HIV infection is spreading among the poor, women, and migrant communities in the interior of Northeast Brazil. The research focused on different configurations, beliefs, representations, and forms of social organization of behavior thought to be associated with the population's capacity to efficiently follow AIDS prevention measures. Participants located in neighborhoods known for having large migrant populations were identified by Family Health Program Workers in Fortaleza and Teresina. The study adopted a qualitative methodology. Several belief-system concepts and values, as well as the social organization of sexuality revealed in the study, represent obstacles both to AIDS prevention and condom use. Hunger, lack of prospects, and fear are associated with a social situation of poverty, exclusion, prejudice, and total absence of basic human rights. When examined together, these elements define different configurations in the migrants' increased vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. The groups' increased vulnerability relates to the socioeconomic complexity that must be considered in HIV/AIDS control and prevention programs.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Saúde Comunitária, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. ligia@ufc.br
authors.forename: Ligia Regina Sansigolo
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Kerr-Pontes
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: González
authors.forename: Carl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kendall
authors.forename: Elda Maria Area
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Leão
authors.forename: Fábio Rocha
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Távora
authors.forename: Iusta
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Caminha
authors.forename: Alexandre Medeiros
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: do Carmo
authors.forename: Marcela Moura
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: França
authors.forename: Melícia Holanda
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Aguiar
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019529:Sexuality; D014171:Transients and Migrants; D035862:Vulnerable Populations