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Perceptions about sexual risk, HIV and HIV-testing in Cali, Colombia.
Mueses-Marín, Héctor Fabio; Tello-Bolívar, Inés Constanza; Galindo-Orrego, María Isabel & Galindo-Quintero, Jaime
Abstract
Introduction: In Colombia, 20%-54% of the population with sexual
practices at higher risk for HIV infection (men who have sex with
men, transgender women, women sex workers) has sometime been
tested.
Objective: To describe perceptions of sexual risk, HIV and HIV
testing in people with risky sexual practices and people who identify
themselves as heterosexual.
Methods: Between 2012 and 2014, it was carried a descriptive
study using HIV screening out in Cali-Colombia with the voluntary
participation of 940 people aged over 18 years. There were used:
informed consent, structured questionnaire and HIV testing.
Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression models
were performed.
Results: Average age 28.5 ±10.9 years; 50% men. 357 (38%) were
people from the traditional risk group for HIV infection; and 583
(62%) corresponded to the non-traditional risk group (heterosexual
men and women). Likewise, 62% and 41% respectively had HIV
test. 51% to 53% reported having sex when they consumed liquor;
commercial sex was higher in the group with risky sexual practices
(32% vs 3%), as well as anal relations (77% vs 23%), consistent use
of condom (32% vs 9%), and HIV positive test (14.3% vs 1.6%).
The multivariate analysis showed for both groups that having HIV
test was associated with being older than 25 years and a history of
sexually transmitted infection.
Conclusions: Differentiated education strategies are needed based
on risky sexual behaviors and that consider the importance of
regular HIV tests for early diagnosis and timely enrollment in care
and treatment.
Keywords
HIV; Colombia; risky behavior; unsafe sex; screening.
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