Prevalence and risk of blood-borne and sexually transmitted viral infections in incarcerated youth in Salvador, Brazil: opportunity and obligation for intervention
Fialho, M.; Messias, M.ár.; Page-Shafer, K.; Farre, L.; Schmalb, M.ár.; Pedral-Sampaio, D.; Ramos, M.; Brites, C.
Aids and Behavior 12(4 Suppl): S17-S24
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1090-7165 PMID: 18500658 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-008-9409-xDocument Number: 202389
To determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections among incarcerated adolescents in Salvador, Brazil, we interviewed 300 incarcerated youth aged 11-18 years to participate in a physical examination and to provide a blood sample to test for HIV-1, hepatitis B and C viruses exposure, human T-cells lymphotrophic virus, and syphilis. Overall prevalence was anti-HIV, 0.34%; anti-HBc, 11.1%; HBsAg, 2.4%; anti-HCV, 6.4%; HTLV, 1.09%; and syphilis, 3.4%. The majority (86.3%) reported a history of sexual activity; 27% had never used condoms. Girls also reported previous pregnancy (35%), abortion (26%) and sexual abuse (74%). Many youth reported a family history of alcohol abuse (56%), illicit drug use (24.7%), or legal problems (38%). Serological results show that youth in Salvador are at high risk for blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections. Policies to reduce the risk and impact of these infections should be a requisite part of health care for incarcerated youth.
Document emailed within 0-6 h
