ceres CF, Klausner J, Mendoza W, Leon S, Cuadros J, Fernandez P, Franco G, Rosasco AM, Coates TJ; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. C11025.
Cayetano Heredia University, Lima, Peru
BACKGROUND: Only a few population-based studies collecting data on sexual behavior and STI markers have been conducted in Latin America, despite their potential utility in identifying prevalence of risk behavior and STI and understanding the relationship between them. METHODS: In preparation for the NIMH HIV/STD Collaborative Intervention Trial, a household probability survey was conducted with young people aged 18-30 (both genders) in 34 poor neighborhoods in Lima, Chiclayo and Trujillo, Peru. Data on general health, sexual health and behavior were collected using ACASI (Audio-computer assisted self-interviewing), and blood, urine and vaginal swabs were tested for HIV-1, HSV-2, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas and syphilis. RESULTS: 1370 interviews (42%male, 58% female) were completed; 61% were single. 8% reported at least 1 lifetime STI . 71% drank and 7% got drunk weekly. 85% were sexually active, and 9% (mostly men) had exchanged goods for sex. 47%, 18% and 8% had had more than 1 sex partner in lifetime, in past year and in last 3 months, respectively. Of the 6% reporting casual partners in last 3 months, 47% had unprotected sex with them; 80% of sex with steady partners is unprotected. 15% of men reported sex with men. 60% consider it unlikely to get infected with HIV. STI prevalences were: Chlamydia: 6.1%, gonorrhea: 0.4%, HSV-2: 14.7%, trichomonas (women): 2.6%, syphilis: 0.8%; HIV-1: 0.2%. HSV-2 levels best correlated with age. Women showed higher STI prevalences. 18% had at least one positive test. CONCLUSIONS: While this is a sexually active population with steady and casual partners, condom use is low, particularly among women. Since sex between men, compensated sex and alcohol intoxication are common, conditions for the growth of STI epidemics exist. The dynamics of STI transmission here should be further assessed, and the effect of interventions focused on the "general population" should be compared with that of programs focused on "core groups".
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Female
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- HIV Seroprevalence
- HIV-1
- Humans
- Latin America
- Male
- Peru
- Prevalence
- Research Design
- Risk-Taking
- Safe Sex
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexual Partners
- Syphilis
- Unsafe Sex
Other ID:
UI: 102254525
From Meeting Abstracts