The increase in HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) cases among young people aged 18 to 29 has become a growing concern in several regions of Brazil, including a city in the North of the country. Factors such as misinformation, limited access to healthcare services, and risky sexual behaviors contribute to this alarming scenario. To identify the main factors associated with the increase in HIV/AIDS cases in this age group in a city in Northern Brazil. This cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach used retrospective data collection on the number of HIV/AIDS cases among young people aged 18 to 29 in a city in Northern Brazil, from 2021 to 2024, based on records from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). The main factors associated with the increase in HIV/AIDS cases among young people were low educational level, irregular condom use, illicit drug use, and lack of knowledge about PrEP/PEP (Pre-Exposure and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). Stigma related to HIV was also identified in previous studies as an important barrier to access testing and treatment, contributing to underreporting and late diagnosis. Therefore, public policies focused on sexual education and expanding access to preventive measures are essential for epidemic control in this population. Lack of knowledge about PrEP/PEP among young people in a city in Northern Brazil contributes to low adherence to prophylaxis, favoring the increase in HIV/AIDS cases. Expanding access to information and prevention strategies is essential.
Cordovil et al. (Sun,) studied this question.