Factors associated with HIV among young people attending Testing and Counseling Centers

Factores asociados al VIH entre jóvenes atendidos en Centros de Testeo y Consejerías

Objectives:  to analyze the factors associated with HIV among young people in a large Brazilian city.

Methods:  a case-control study was conducted with individuals aged 15 to 24 years old who sought services at the city’s Testing and Counseling Centers. Cases consisted of young people with a positive HIV test result, while controls were those with a negative result. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression.

Results:  men were 5.38 times more likely to have reactive HIV tests, sex workers were 31.5 times more likely to be infected with HIV, and those who sometimes or never used condoms were 2.43 times more likely to acquire the infection. Vaginal sex was a protective factor against HIV infection.

Conclusions:  factors associated with HIV should guide strategies that prioritize men, sex workers, and people with unprotected and non-vaginal sexual practices.

Descriptors:
HIV; Adolescent; Young Adult; Sexual Behavior; Risk Factors.