Sexual behavior of individuals with reactive HIV tests: analysis according to sociodemographic characteristics.

OBJECTIVES

to analyze the sexual behavior of individuals who tested positive for HIV and were treated at Testing and Counseling Centers, according to sociodemographic characteristics.

METHODS

this was a cross-sectional study conducted in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, between 2018 and 2021. Data were collected from patient records, including sociodemographic and sexual behavior variables, which were dichotomized as high vs. low/moderate risk.

RESULTS

a total of 214 individuals were included, of whom 111 (51.9%) exhibited high-risk sexual behavior: having a steady or casual partner, having six or more partners, having relationships with both men and women, sometimes/never using condoms and lubricants, and having anal sex. No association was identified between high-risk sexual behavior and sociodemographic variables.

CONCLUSIONS

high-risk sexual behavior was observed among individuals living with HIV without a specific profile, requiring public policies that encourage the adoption of safe sex practices and reduce virus transmission.