Conhecimento da população de Viçosa, MG, sobre as formas de transmissão da aids

[Evaluation of the level of knowledge about Aids and syphilis among the elderly from a city in the interior of the state of Ceará, Brazil]

The scope of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of the elderly about syphilis and AIDS before and after conducting educational activities. Fifty-five individuals participating in a convenience group from territory of Terrenos Novos in Sobral in the State of Ceará were selected. To collect the data, a semi-structured questionnaire about HIV/AIDS and syphilis was used, including general features and information about concept, transmission, prevention, vulnerability and treatment. The questionnaire was applied before and after the implementation of educational workshops about AIDS and syphilis. Among those surveyed, 96.4% were aware about AIDS and 67.3% did not know about syphilis. However, 38.1% believed that a kiss on the mouth and 78.1% that mosquito bites were means of HIV transmission. 70.9% did not know the mode of transmission of syphilis. After the workshops the indexes changed positively. Data analysis revealed gaps in knowledge of this group about the concept, transmission and treatment of these diseases. Educational interventions were effective for knowledge assimilation.

Prevalence of hepatitis C in adult users of the public health service of São José dos Pinhais--Paraná

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis C in adult users of the Public Health Services of São José dos Pinhais - Paraná.

METHODS

We performed an epidemiological survey with a probabilistic sample of 5,017 volunteers who answered a questionnaire and were submitted to an anti-HCV quick test. Data were organized using Epi-info 3.5.1. The association between the presence of the disease and the factors of interest in the study were evaluated by the Chi-square test. We used a Logistic Regression Adjusted Model for risk factor analysis and the Wald test for decision making on the importance of the risk factors.

RESULTS

The absolute frequency of positive anti-HCV was 13, with a prevalence of 0.30%, (IC = 0.12% - 0.40%). A higher probability of the disease was reported in males (p = 0.008) and in single, separated and widowed subjects (p = 0.045); in subjects with prior HCV symptoms (p < 0.001) and a previous blood transfusion (p < 0.001); and with the presence of a tattoo (p = 0.033). Drug abuse, blood transfusion and age > 40 years increased the risk for disease, regardless of sex, age and marital status.

CONCLUSION

We found a low prevalence of Hepatitis C, albeit expected for Southern Brazil. Our results did not differ from other studies as to contamination risks. The study may contribute to highlight the importance of Hepatitis C, the need to implement strategies to cope with it, and stimulate better understanding of Hepatitis C.

Sexualidade na terceira idade: medidas de prevenção para doenças sexualmente transmissíveis e AIDS

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as medidas de prevenção que os idosos estão utilizando para à prevenção das Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis e Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida. A pesquisa foi de caráter prospectivo, quantitativo e descritivo com uma amostragem intencional, realizada com 98 idosos. Foi aplicado um questionário com perguntas abertas e fechadas, relacionadas à vida sexual dos idosos frequentadores de uma instituição que desenvolve programas para a melhoria da qualidade de vida dos idosos no município de Curitiba, Paraná. Dos entrevistados 43%, relatam fazer uso de alguma medida de prevenção. A realização de programas de prevenção voltados para o atendimento de pessoas com 50 anos ou mais, deve estar atenta às questões de sexualidade no envelhecimento. Os idosos devem ser vistos como indivíduos que possuem desejos, necessidades sexuais e que fazem projetos para o futuro.