Infecção pelo HIV, hepatites B e C e sífilis em moradores de rua, São Paulo

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To estimate the prevalence of HIV infections, as well as hepatitis B and C and syphilis viruses in homeless people. METHODS:Cross-sectional study with educational intervention, conducted in the city of São Paulo, between 2002 and 2003. A convenience sample of homeless people who used night shelters was selected, according to the following criteria: aged 18 or older and not showing psychiatric disturbances. During interviews, sociodemographic and behavioral data were gathered and HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis laboratorial tests and post-test counseling were carried out. RESULTS:A total of 330 shelter users participated, with an average age of 40.2 years, 80.9% of them male, having lived on the streets for one year in average. Prevalences of 1.8% for HIV, 8.5% for hepatitis C virus, 30.6% for previous hepatitis B infection, 3.3% for chronic or acute infection by hepatitis B virus, and 5.7% for syphilis. The consistent use of condoms was referred to by 21.3% of interviewees and the use of injecting drugs by 3% of them. Positivity was 10% for HIV and 50% for hepatitis C virus among injectable drug users, versus 1.5% for HIV and 7.3% for hepatitis C among the others, showing an association between the virus and the use of injecting drugs. Previous imprisonment was referred to by 7.9% of women and 26.6% of men, with a prevalence of 2.6% for HIV and 17.1% for hepatitis C virus. CONCLUSIONS:The high prevalences of HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses require prevention programs based on vaccination against hepatitis B, early diagnosis of these infections and placement of homeless people into health services.

Seropositivity rates for toxoplasmosis, rubella, syphilis, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis and HIV among pregnant women receiving care at a public health service, São Paulo state, Brazil

“…This disease should receive constant attention in pregnant women, as infected newborn babies present a high risk of developing chronic forms of the disease due to their immunological immaturity. 24,26,27 The frequency of anti-HCV antibodies found in this study is lower than that reported in the general population, 28,29 but is close to that observed in pregnant women. 30,31 Moreover, pregnant women, with and without seropositivity had similar mean ages.…”

Prevalence, risk factors and hepatitis B immunization: helping fill the gap on hepatitis B epidemiology among homeless people, Goiânia, Central Brazil

“…However, the prevalence found among homeless people in Goiânia was lower than that found ten years before by Brito et al 7 (30.6%; 95%CI: 25.9-35.8) in São Paulo. In Goiânia, the participants were younger and had better education levels.…”

“…In Brazil, the only study on hepatitis B in this population was carried out in the beginning of 2000 among 330 shelter users in the city of São Paulo, Southeastern Region of the country. The author showed 30.6% were previously exposed to HBV and 3.3% were chronic HBsAg carriers 7 , suggesting a high prevalence of hepatitis B among this population.…”

Prevalência e vulnerabilidade à infecção pelo HIV de moradores de rua em São Paulo, SP

“…Studies 3,10,11,16,17,25,27 conducted in several different cities around the world showed that the prevalence of HIV infection among homeless people is signifi cantly higher than in the general population. In the present study, however, this rate was as high as in those population groups most affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Brazil such as sex workers 23 (4.8%) and MSM 13 (13.6%).…”

“…Most (79%) homeless people reported spending the night in shelters and/or similar facilities. a This group is characterized by high prevalence of tuberculosis, 1,d sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including syphilis and hepatitis, 3 . and mental illness.…”