A population-based survey of the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections, and associated risk factors among young women in Vitória, Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), and syphilis infections and associated risk exposures in a population-based sample of young women in Vitória, Brazil.


METHODS
From March to December 2006, a cross-sectional sample of women aged 18-29 years was recruited into a single stage, population-based study. Serological markers of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis infections and associated risk exposures were assessed.


RESULTS
Of 1,200 eligible women, 1,029 (85.8%) enrolled. Median age was 23 (interquartile range 20-26) years; 32.2% had < or = 8 years of education. The survey weighted prevalence estimates were: HIV, 0.6% [(95% CI), 0.1%, 1.1%]; anti-HBc, 4.2% (3.0%, 5.4%); HBsAg, 0.9% (0.4%, 1.6%); anti-HCV, 0.6% (0.1%, 1.1%), and syphilis 1.2% (0.5%, 1.9%). Overall, 6.1% had at least one positive serological marker for any of the tested infections. A majority (87.9%) was sexually active, of whom 12.1% reported a previously diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) and 1.4% a history of commercial sex work. Variables independently associated with any positive serological test included: older age (> or = 25 vs. < 25 years), low monthly income (< or = 4x vs. > 4x minimum wage), previously diagnosed STI, > or = 1 sexual partner, and any illicit drug use.


CONCLUSIONS
These are the first population-based estimates of the prevalence of exposure to these infectious diseases and related risks in young women, a population for whom there is a scarcity of data in Brazil.
Miranda
Angelica Espinosa
AE
Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Avenida Marechal Campos, 1468. Maruípe, Vitoria, ES, CEP 29040-091, Brazil. espinosa@ndi.ufes.br
Figueiredo
Nínive Camilo
NC
Schmidt
Renylena
R
Page-Shafer
Kimberly
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology*
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D015483:HIV Antibodies; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies