[HIV infection, hepatitis B and C and syphilis in homeless people, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil].
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of HIV infections, as well as hepatitis B and C and syphilis viruses in homeless people.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study with educational intervention, conducted in the city of São Paulo, between 2002 and 2003. A convenience sample of homeless people who used night shelters was selected, according to the following criteria: aged 18 or older and not showing psychiatric disturbances. During interviews, sociodemographic and behavioral data were gathered and HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis laboratorial tests and post-test counseling were carried out.


RESULTS
A total of 330 shelter users participated, with an average age of 40.2 years, 80.9% of them male, having lived on the streets for one year in average. Prevalences of 1.8% for HIV, 8.5% for hepatitis C virus, 30.6% for previous hepatitis B infection, 3.3% for chronic or acute infection by hepatitis B virus, and 5.7% for syphilis. The consistent use of condoms was referred to by 21.3% of interviewees and the use of injecting drugs by 3% of them. Positivity was 10% for HIV and 50% for hepatitis C virus among injectable drug users, versus 1.5% for HIV and 7.3% for hepatitis C among the others, showing an association between the virus and the use of injecting drugs. Previous imprisonment was referred to by 7.9% of women and 26.6% of men, with a prevalence of 2.6% for HIV and 17.1% for hepatitis C virus.


CONCLUSIONS
The high prevalences of HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses require prevention programs based on vaccination against hepatitis B, early diagnosis of these infections and placement of homeless people into health services.
Brito
Valquiria O C
VO
Coordenadoria de Vigilancia em Saúde, Prefeitura do Município de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Parra
Deolinda
D
Facchini
Regina
R
Buchalla
Cassia Maria
CM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012309:Risk-Taking; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines