The prevalence of HIV infection was highest among male IDUs who have sex with men. The strong associations between HIV infection and sexual orientation and HIV infection and recruitment locale suggest that risk may be attributable largely to sexual risk. In addition to successful prevention efforts aimed at reducing needle-associated risk, current intervention models aimed at young IDUs should target high-risk neighborhoods and emphasize sexual risk reduction measures, in particular among men who have sex with men.
This study further demonstrates the public health utility of using the STARHS for the assessment of emerging trends in the HIV epidemic. Results from this study will help to target appropriate prevention strategies directed toward at-risk populations in Santos.
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