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

Abstract

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-FromMarch to December 2006, a cross-sectional sample of women aged 18 to 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 [IQR] 20, 26) years; 32.2% had ≤ 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 infection. 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 (≥25 vs. <25 years), low monthly income (≤ 4× vs. >4× minimum wage), previously diagnosed STI, ≥ 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.

Incidência da sífilis congênita no Brasil e sua relação com a Estratégia Saúde da Família

“…Most Brazilian pregnant women had access to at least four prenatal consultations; however, variation in the number of visits is still signifi cant as a function of socioeconomic characteristics such as schooling and race or skin color. Therefore, the distribution of the investigated disease refl ects social inequalities in healthcare that have previously been observed by others in both Brazil 13,15,16 and other countries. 4,6,25 Inequalities in access to and the quality of prenatal care might somehow explain the higher exposure of children belonging to the less privileged classes to the risk of CS.…”

Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection among recyclable waste collectors in central Brazil

“…Other authors have reported that sexual transmission seems to be an important HBV transmission route in areas of low endemicity 19,25,26 . In the current study, however, unprotected sex with multiple partners and previous STDs were not signifi cantly associated with HBV infection in the adjusted analysis, even though previous STDs were associated in the bivariate analysis.…”

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C markers in adolescents in Southern Brazil

“…Although several studies have been conducted on hepatitis B and C, especially on blood banks 6,7,8,9,10,11,12 , there are few studies carried out among the general population 13,14,15 , and due to territorial extension, and cultural and economic differences, the distribution of these diseases in the country differs among regions 16 .…”