CONTEXT: In Brazil, 74.4% of the population has used alcohol at some point in their lifetime Cebrid/Unifesp, 2005). The consumption of this substance has been related to sexual behavior risks and the contraction of STDs, including HIV/Aids. OBJETIVES: This paper intends to review the literature on sexual behavior risks and alcohol abuse. METHODS: A literature review in the databases MEDLINE and LILACS from the year 2000 to 2007 was made using the keywords sexual behavior risk, HIV and Aids, alcohol use, abuse and dependence. RESULTS: Data shows that men (heterosexuals and homosexuals), adolescents, immigrants, and sex professionals are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior (sex without a condom) associated with alcohol use. Women tended to engage in this type of behavior on a less frequent basis. CONCLUSIONS: The use of alcohol associated with sexual behavior proved to be a risk factor for the transmission of SDT/HIV/Aids as the use of condoms tends to be less frequent when alcohol is consumed before or during sexual relations. The place where alcohol is consumed and the amount ingested also appear to be important factors for this association.
HIV; Aids; alcohol; sexual behavior