Resumo

DE PAULACOUTO, Maria Clara P; PRATI, Laíssa Eschiletti  e  KOLLER, Sílvia H. Socio-behavioral characteristics of men and women living with HIV/AIDS with 50 years or more in southern Brazil. Rev. Psicol. Saúde [online]. 2012, vol.4, n.2, pp.143-151. ISSN 2177-093X.

Socio-behavioral characteristics of men and women aged 50 years and older living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Brazil are described. Participants were 104 people living with HIV/AIDS recruited in health centers who answered a questionnaire comprising queries on socio-demographic characteristics; routes of HIV infection; HIV/AIDS knowledge; and sexual behavior/substance use. Bivariate analyses were performed to test for associations between socio-behavioral variables and sex. Women reported lower incomes, less schooling, and an inactive employment status. Men reported more often to be single while women, married or widowed. Sexual relations were the main route of infection. Men reported earlier sexual debut and a greater number of casual partners within the last year. STDs were more prevalent among men. Women reported less condom use with the last partner. Men and women are differently exposed to HIV. Women seem to be more exposed to social factors while men seem to be more vulnerable to behavioral ones.

Palavras-chave : HIV; AIDS; Adult health; Sexual behavior; Population characteristics.