Document 2110
 DOCN  M94A2110
 TI    The vulnerability to AIDS among women in Rio de Janeiro-BR.
 DT    9412
 AU    Matida AH; Carvalho RM; Sanches K; Secretariat of Health of Rio de
       Janeiro State, Brasil.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):379 (abstract no. PD0122). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370465
 AB    OBJECTIVES: 1) To assess the social economic profile among women with
       AIDS in the State of Rio de Janeiro. 2) To determine patterns of
       vulnerability among women living with AIDS. METHODS: We revised all AIDS
       cases reported since 1982 among women aged more than 15 years reported
       to the Rio de Janeiro State surveillance system (n = 1100). The cases
       were distribuited using the variables, educational level and
       occupational status. Cases without educational level information (n =
       373) or occupational status information (n = 183) were discharged.
       RESULTS: According to educational level 49.09% of the women were
       illiterate or had elementary education. Junior and Senior high school
       levels were referred in 20.86% and 17.10% respectively, and universitary
       level in 12.9%. Medium age in this group was 36.4 y.o.a. Considering the
       period of Diagnosis the trend shows that proportionally the number of
       women with high educational level is de creasing while among women with
       junior high school level or less is rising. Occupational status
       reinforces this pattern, since women with occupational status that
       requires only medium educational levels represents 30.22% of the revised
       cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: 1) The increase of AIDS cases among
       women in the last years in Rio de Janeiro State points out the
       vulnerability of this group to HIV infection. 2) Educational level and
       occupational status informations are very important data when used to
       assess vulnerability to AIDS epidemic of specific groups. 3) Data
       suggest that women of low social economic class are more vulnerable to
       HIV infection due to less possibilities to assess both educational
       information and health care. 4) Educational programs and preventive
       activities should be directed to this target population to reduce HIV
       transmission among poor women and consequently among their infants. 5)
       This study can be used as an strong rationale for determine priorities
       on behavior changes interventions.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/EPIDEMIOLOGY/PREVENTION &
       CONTROL/*TRANSMISSION  Adolescence  Adult  Brazil/EPIDEMIOLOGY
       *Developing Countries  Educational Status  Female  *Gender Identity
       Human  HIV Infections/EPIDEMIOLOGY/PREVENTION & CONTROL/*TRANSMISSION
       HIV Seroprevalence/TRENDS  Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice  Life Style
       Middle Age  Risk Factors  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).