Characterization of the factors associated with HIV infection during the COVID- 19 pandemic in western Maranhão, Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23925/1984-4840.2025v27a7Keywords:
HIV Infections, Sexually Transmited Infections, COVID-19, Social Isolation, Serologic TestsAbstract
Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic and behavioral factors related to HIV infection during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Method: Observational and retrospective study that analyzed 869 service records from a Testing Center in Northeast Brazil. Results: The HIV infection rate was 8.2% throughout 2020. Patients who were married (CI = 0.22 - 0.76) and from rural areas (CI = 0.07 - 0.99) had a lower probability of infection, while those tested in the second semester (CI = 0.35 - 0.94) and with access to condoms (CI = 0.06 - 0.36) had a lower risk. People of White or Asian race (CI = 0.06 - 1.20) and patients who had an occupation (CI = 0.16 - 0.73) showed a lower probability of infection in the second half of the year. Conclusion: Prevention and social isolation measures during the pandemic may have impacted the demand for testing services, increasing vulnerability to HIV infection. The study characterized the associated factors and the most vulnerable groups during this period.
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