Poverty, skin colour and HIV infection: a case-control study from southern Brazil.
We investigated the association between socioeconomic and behavioral factors and HIV infection and aids in a medium-sized Brazilian city. Cases included HIV-positive women (n=144) and women with aids (n=130) seen at a specialized facility. Controls were a probabilistic, population-based sample of 1,537 women aged 15-49 years. Groups were compared using logistic regression. Both HIV infection and AIDS were more frequent among younger women of non-white skin colour, with lower schooling and income who began sexual activity early. This is the first Brazilian study using population-based controls to show that both HIV-seropositivity and AIDS are concentrated among young, non-white poor women. It is important to prioritize preventive measures targeting these groups.
Silveira
M F
MF
Faculty of Medicine, UFPEL, Maternal and Child, Pelotas, Brazil. maris.sul@terra.com.br
Santos
Ina Silva
IS
Victora
Cesar Gomes
CG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011203:Poverty / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires