HIV infection and related risk behaviors in a community of recyclable waste collectors of Santos, Brazil

Abstract

HIV infection and related risk behaviors in a community of recyclable waste collectors of Santos, BrazilInfecção por HIV e comportamentos de risco relacionados em coletores de lixo de Santos, Brasil ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To estimate the seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis and to describe risk behaviors associated to their transmission among recyclable waste collectors. METHODS:A seroepidemiological survey was carried out in the city of Santos, Southeastern Brazil, in 2005. A total of 315 individuals were enrolled in the survey, of which 253 subjects underwent serological testing HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis. Statistical analysis consisted of univariate and bivariate analyses (cross-tabulation and odds ratio) and multivariate analysis (by logistic regression), relating HIV infection with established risk behaviors and seropositivity. RESULTS:Overall seroprevalences were: HIV, 8.9%; hepatitis B, 34.4%; hepatitis C, 12.4%; and syphilis, 18.4%. Subjects were characterized by a predominance of males with low educational and economic levels, subjected to parenteral and sexual exposures to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Multivariate analysis results indicated that risk factors for both sexually and parenterally related exposure were signifi cantly associated with HIV in this community. CONCLUSIONS:Seroprevalences found in the study were approximately 10 to 12 times higher than the national average. These communities are socially marginalized and generally not recognized by national programs as potentially endangered populations.

Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection among recyclable waste collectors in central Brazil

“…Compared with the prevalence in other Brazilian populations, the prevalence determined in this study was within the confi dence interval range recorded for patients attending an STD clinic (13%; 95% CI: 10.0-16.5) 20 , non-injection drug users (14%; 95% CI: 11.7-16.5) 21 and individuals reporting to an HIV testing and counseling center (14.6%; 95% CI: 11.2-18.0) 22 . Nevertheless, relative to other reported data on recyclable waste collectors, the prevalence found in the present study was lower than that observed in Santos, Brazil (34.4%; 95% CI: 28.5-40.2) 14,15 . This difference may refl ect differences in the rates of risky behaviors between the studied groups in Goiânia and Santos.…”

“…These fi ndings support previously reported data, reinforcing the importance of establishing educational and health policies that address the safety of this population 6,7,9,11,15 .…”

“…As observed elsewhere, the level of education among recyclable waste collectors was low [7][8][9]12,15 . In fact, nearly 73% of the study population had less than 8 years of schooling.…”

“…Moreover, unprotected sex with multiple partners was marginally associated. Risky sexual behaviors among recyclable waste collectors in Santos were also studied by Rozman et al 15 . It should be stressed that most preventative policies related to STDs target groups with higher risks of exposure that do not include recyclable waste collectors.…”

Spirituality in the Assessment of Quality of Life of Recyclable Material Collectors: Cross-Sectional Study

“…Os catadores, de modo geral, possuem uma residência; uma porcentagem muito pequena mora nas ruas ou reside em depósitos de materiais recicláveis (9) .…”