title: Sexual behavior and HBV infection among noninjecting cocaine users (NICUs).
abstract: The aim is to estimate HBV prevalence and the associated risks among noninjecting cocaine users (NICUs). In 2002-2003, a total of 824 NICUs from Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Montevideo (Uruguay) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Serologic tests were carried out for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV), syphilis, and others. The population was divided into two serologic groups: HBV-infected and seronegative group. Univariate and binary logistic model were developed. The results seem to indicate that, among NICUs, HBV is transmitted through sexual contact. Prevention measures, including vaccine, are needed in order to control and minimize risks. The study's limitations are noted.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Keli Bahia Felicíssimo
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Zocratto
authors.forename: Maria Luz
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Osimani
authors.forename: Liliana Martinez
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Peralta
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Latorre
authors.forename: Estela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Muzzio
authors.forename: Marcela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Segura
authors.forename: Hector
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chiparelli
authors.forename: Fernando Augusto
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Proietti
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rey
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vazquez
authors.forename: Paloma
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cuchi
authors.forename: Sergio Sosa
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Estani
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: Mercedes
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weissenbacher
authors.forename: Waleska Teixeira
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Caiaffa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000821:virology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000821:virology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D018579:Patient Selection; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014583:Uruguay / Q000453:epidemiology