HIV infection remains a major public health issue in Brazil. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, epidemic control is hampered by risk behaviors, social inequality, and access barriers. This study describes clinical, sociodemographic, and behavioral profiles of people living with HIV at a referral service in southern Santa Catarina. Cross-sectional study of PLHIV registered at a referral service in Tubarão, SC. Approved by the Unisul Research Ethics Committee (No. 1.206.709; CAAE 47126215.2.0000.5369). Sociodemographic, behavioral, ART use, and laboratory markers (viral load, CD4) were analyzed. A total of 629 patients were included; 59.3% men, 86% self-declared White, and 58.9% with incomplete or complete elementary education. Predominant age range was 39–49 years (26.9%). Most reported route was unprotected sexual intercourse (72.7%), followed by contact with contaminated blood (28%). Regarding sexual orientation, 81.2% heterosexual, 17.3% homosexual or bisexual. About 38.2% reported current or prior drug use; among these, 45% used injectable drugs and 6% reported sharing needles/syringes. Of the total, 554 used ART and 60 had never initiated treatment. For laboratory markers, about 50% had CD4 > 500 cells/mm³; 18% had 1,000 copies/mL. The majority were men, White, heterosexual, and with low schooling, reflecting social vulnerabilities. The high adherence to ART and favorable laboratory indicators in most patients suggest a satisfactory immunological response. However, the proportion of individuals with severe immunosuppression and high viral load indicates the need to strengthen strategies for early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and combination prevention, specially among drug users (45% reported injection drug use, with 6% admitting to sharing needles and syringes) and other highly vulnerable populations.
Marcon et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: