Sociodemographic and behavioral profile of users testing and counseling center in STD/AIDS

Abstract

Testing and counseling centers (TCCs) for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and AIDS carry out serological tests free of charge. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the sociodemographic and behavioral profile of the users at a TCC for STD/AIDS in the city of São Paulo. Descriptive study conducted at the "Henfil Henrique de Souza Filho" TCC. Analyses were performed on 3648 users between January 1 and December 31, 2010, by means of data gathered from the information system of the TCC. Out of the total number of users analyzed, 74.7% were male, 77.6% were single and the predominant age group was from 18 to 24 years for both sexes. Sexual intercourse was the main form of risk exposure: 9.8% had had some type of STD over the last 12 months and, out of these, 30.9% had not had any treatment. Sex workers accounted for 3.7% of the users and men who had sex with men (MSM) accounted for 43%. Conclusion thatthe demand for the service came mainly from literate young men, with a large number of MSM. Sexual intercourse was the main means of exposure to situations of risk.

Keywords

• sexually transmitted diseases
• acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• health centers
• syphilis
• hepatitis
• são paulo