Temporal trends of HIV-related risk behavior among Brazilian military conscripts, 1997-2002.
OBJECTIVE
To present selected results of military conscript surveys related to HIV/AIDS, conducted in Brazil, 1997-2002.


METHODS
Questionnaires including information on socio-demographic data, sexual behavior practices, sexually transmitted infections-related problems, and use of injecting drugs were completed by 30970 individuals, obtained through a 2-stage sampling. An index of sexual risk behavior was developed to take into account multiplicity of partners and irregularity of condom use. The HIV infection prevalence rate was estimated for 2002. Logistic regression was used to identify the most important determinants of HIV infection.


RESULTS
The percentage of regular condom use increased from 38% (1997) to 49% (2002), and the index of sexual risk behavior decreased from 0.98 in 1997 to 0.87, in 2002. The HIV infection prevalence rate was 0.09%, in 2002, which remained unchanged since 1998 Riskier sexual practices among young men with incomplete education and among "men who have sex with men" were found as well as among the participants who reported at least one sexually transmitted infections - related problem. The most important predictor of HIV infection was to be positive for syphilis.


CONCLUSIONS
The estimated value of the HIV infection prevalence supports the diagnosis of a concentrated HIV epidemic, in Brazil. Results indicate that particular attention needs to be paid for regional differentials, and for special subgroups, in Brazil.
Szwarcwald
Célia Landmann
CL
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Health Information Department, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
de Carvalho
Marcelo Felga
MF
Barbosa Júnior
Aristides
A
Barreira
Draurio
D
Speranza
Francisco Almeida Braga
FA
de Castilho
Euclides Ayres
EA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004522:Educational Status; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires