HORIZONS PROJECT
Risk Factors for HIV Infection in the MSM Population in the Metropolitan Area of Campinas City, Brazil, Using Respondent-driven Sampling

Data regarding the sociodemographic, behavioral, and environmental factors associated with risk for HIV is particularly urgent for populations in Brazil in which the HIV epidemic continues to grow, including men who have sex with men (MSM). Researchers from Horizons are conducting pioneering research with MSM, collecting information that will be used to associate behavioral data with biological markers using respondent-driven sampling. The overall goal of this research is to contribute to the reduction of HIV among MSM by establishing subgroups who are at greatest risk for HIV infection and understanding the sociodemographic, behavioral, and environmental factors associated with such high risks. The results will inform future HIV planning, intervention, and treatment programs.

This study involves a sample of 800 MSM in a large metropolitan area of southeastern Brazil. A cross-sectional study design is being used. Data collection consists of interviews and biological specimen collection (at the same time point) to determine sociodemographic, behavioral, and environmental predictors of risk for HIV; syphilis is being used as a biomarker.

This study will provide program managers and planners with information they need to structure HIV prevention and care programs targeting this vulnerable population, as well as valuable insight regarding prevalence rate estimates for HIV and syphilis.

Results are expected in late 2007.

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Location

Metropolitan area of Campinas, SP, Brazil, comprising 19 neighboring municipalities

Duration

June 2005–June 2007

Horizons and Population Council researchers

Waimar Tun, Juan Díaz, Maeve Brito de Mello, Magda Chinaglia, Julie Pulerwitz

Non-Council collaborators

Aristides Barbosa Jr. (National Program of STD/AIDS, Ministry of Health, Brazil)

Suzanne Westman (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Brazil)

Francisco Hideo Aoki (Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Brazil)

Donor

US Agency for International Development

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See Also

• Brazil

• Horizons Program

• HIV and AIDS

• HIV and AIDS/Prevention

• HIV and AIDS/Stigma and Discrimination

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