CONHECIMENTO ACERCA DO VİRUS DA IMUNODEFICIÊNCIA HUMANA E PREVALÊNCIA DE INFECÇÕES SEXUALMENTE TRANSMISSÍVEIS EM HOMENS ATENDIDOS NOS CENTROS DE TESTAGEM E ACONSELHAMENTO DA CIDADE DE SÃO LUÍS, MARANHÃO

Abstract

Men who have sex with men (MSM) constitute a population vulnerable to infection by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite the implementation of HIV counseling and testing strategies for over three decades, adherence to these services remains limited. This study aimed to identify associations between sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and positivity for HIV/AIDS and related STIs. It is a descriptive, quantitative, and crosssectional study conducted with individuals who underwent HIV testing at the Counseling and Testing Center (CTA) in the city of São Luís, Maranhão. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires administered during consultations, covering sociodemographic aspects and specific knowledge about HIV. To investigate coinfections, rectal swab samples were analyzed for STI detection. The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that certain behavioral factors are strongly associated with HIV positivity. Individuals who engage in unprotected sexual intercourse had a 2.72 times higher likelihood of infection. The type of sexual practice proved to be an even more significant factor, increasing the probability of HIV positivity by 6.45 times. Additionally, a prior history of STIs was strongly associated with a 2.16-fold increase in the risk of HIV infection.