title: Risk behaviors for HCV- and HIV-seroprevalence among female crack users in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
abstract: Several studies have shown a high prevalence of HIV-seropositive status among crack users, though most refer to North American populations. Few studies evaluate HCV prevalence among female crack users. In addition, there is a particular lack of data about risk behaviors and HIV/HCV prevalence in this population around the world. In order to ascertain the HIV/HCV serostatus and associated risk behaviors for infection of female crack users of Porto Alegre, Brazil. A cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 73 current female crack users was conducted. Subjects answered NIDA's Risk Behavior Assessment and an AIDS Information Questionnaire. In addition, blood was collected from subjects for HIV/HCV tests. The overall prevalence of HIV was 37.0%; HCV seroprevalence was 27.7%; of 15.1% the sample was co-infected with HIV and HCV. Four years of schooling or fewer (OR 4.72-CI 95%; 1.49-14.99) and having three or more HIV tests in one's lifetime (OR 4.26-CI 95% (1.29-14.04)) were associated with HIV infection (after multivariate logistic regression). The single greatest risk factor for HCV infection was having 4 years of schooling or fewer (OR 4.51-CI 95%; 1.18-17.27). We found a very high prevalence of HIV and HCV infection among female crack users, and low education was the most significant risk factor associated with both infections.
authors.affiliation: Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos 2350, room 2201B, Porto Alegre 90035-903, Brazil. lisiavd@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Lisia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: von Diemen
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Boni
authors.forename: Félix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kessler
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Benzano
authors.forename: Flavio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pechansky
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D016578:Crack Cocaine; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
chemical_list: D016578:Crack Cocaine