Abstract

Objective: Users of publicly funded voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing Centers (VCT C) in the Portuguese National Service have been found to have higher rates of HIV risk behavior than the general population, but data concerning the relationship between socio-demographic, behavioral, and cognitive variables, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (ST Is) in this specific population are limited. This study tests the impact of socio-demographic, behavioral and cognitive variables on ST Is in a sample of 168 users of VCT C. Methods: A cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires was conducted. Results: Being older, being gay or bisexual, and having more barriers towards safer sex (e.g., negative attitudes toward safer sex behavior) were associated with increased odds of having had a ST I diagnosis. We found significant differences between heterosexual and gay men for number of sexual partners, frequency of anal sex, exchanging sex for money or drugs, history of ST Is, AIDS knowledge, and risk beliefs about the partner, with gay men showing higher rates. Conclusions: ST Is education should target older, gay or bisexual individuals, and focus on information as well as on changing barriers towards safer sex and associated health beliefs.

摘要

目的：发现葡萄牙国民服务公共资助的自愿 HIV 咨询和检测中心 (VCT C) 的用户比普通人群具有更高的 HIV 危险行为率，但有关社会人口、行为和这一特定人群的认知变量和性传播感染 (ST Is) 是有限的。本研究以 168 名 VCT C 用户为样本，测试社会人口、行为和认知变量对 ST Is 的影响。方法：使用结构化问卷进行横断面研究。结果：年龄较大、同性恋或双性恋以及对安全性行为有更多障碍（例如，对安全性行为持消极态度）与 ST I 诊断的几率增加有关。我们发现异性恋和男同性恋者在性伴侣数量、肛交频率、用性换钱或毒品、性病史、艾滋病知识和对伴侣的风险信念方面存在显着差异，男同性恋者的比率更高。结论： ST Is 教育应针对老年人、同性恋或双性恋者，并关注信息以及改变安全性行为和相关健康信念的障碍。