Socioeconomic differences in HIV risk behaviour among Brazilian military conscripts
Szwarcwald, C.L.; Castilho, E.A. de; Barbosa Junior, A.; Gomes, M.R.O.; Costa, E.A.M.M.; Maletta, B.V.; Carvalho, R.F.M. de; Oliveira, S.R. de; Chequer, P.
Cadernos de Saude Publica 16(Suppl 1): 113-128
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0102-311X Document Number: 241534
A study of HIV-related risk behaviour was conducted in 1998 among Brazilian military conscripts aged 17-20 years. A sample of 30 318 subjects was selected in 3 strata, pertaining to counties from: (1) the North and Central-West (N/CW); (2) South (S); and (3) the states of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. HIV prevalence rates were estimated in all strata. The objective of this paper was to analyse the results according to differences in socioeconomic status (SES). The statistical analysis used an index of sexual risk behaviour and logistic regression models. The N/CW stratum showed the worst indicators for SES, sexual risk behaviour, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as the highest HIV seroprevalence rate. The best indicators for all variables were found in the RJ/SP stratum. The South showed intermediate results. Level of education also played a relevant role. In all 3 strata the conscripts with an incomplete high school education displayed the worst sexual risk behaviour index, shown to be a relevant predictor of STI-related problems, including HIV infection.