title: [Behavior patterns related to sexual practices and drug use among female adolescents in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, 2002].
abstract: Adolescents are a vulnerable group for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The goal of this study was to describe behavior patterns among female adolescents (15-19 years) in relation to sexual practices and drug use in an area covered by the Health Family Program in Vitória, capital city of Espírito Santo State, Brazil. A descriptive study from March to June 2002 was performed. A face-to-face interview was conducted and urine samples were collected for the Chlamydia trachomatis LCx test. A total of 464 adolescents were included in the study. Sixty-nine percent were already sexually active; 12.8% reported previous STDs, 14% illicit drug use, and 3.7% a history of prostitution. Only 23.4% reported regular condom use, although more than 90% had received information on STD/AIDS risks and prevention. History of pregnancy was reported by 31.6% of the adolescents, and a previous HIV test by 17%. Although they reported receiving information on STD/AIDS, they were failing to take adequate self-protective measures. The results highlight the need for preventive measures, including STD screening and risk-reduction programs.
authors.affiliation: Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil. espinosa@ndi.ufes.br
authors.forename: Angélica Espinosa
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Miranda
authors.forename: Angela Maria Jourdan
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gadelha
authors.forename: Célia Landmann
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Szwarcwald
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology