Prevalence of HIV infection, sexually transmitted diseases, and hepatitis and related risk behavior in young women living in low-income neighborhoods of northern California

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, sexually transmitted diseases, and hepatitis and the associated sexual and drug-using behavior among women residing in low-income neighborhoods in 5 northern California counties.

Methods: From April 4, 1996, to January 6, 1998, women aged 18 to 29 years were recruited door-to-door from randomly selected street blocks within 1990 census block groups below the 10th percentile for median household income for each county.

Results: Of 24,223 dwellings enumerated, contact was made with residents from 19,546 (80.7%). Within contacted dwellings, 3,560 eligible women were identified and 2,545 enrolled (71.5%). Weighted estimates for disease prevalence were HIV infection, 0.3% (95% confidence interval, 0.1%-0.4%); syphilis, 0.7% (0.3%-1.1%); gonorrhea, 0.8% (0.3%-1.3%); chlamydia, 3.3% (2.4%-4.8%); herpes simplex virus, type 1, 73.7% (71.6%-76.9%); herpes simplex virus, type 2, 34.4% (29.9%-39.0%); hepatitis A, 33.5% (28.3%-38.7%); chronic hepatitis B, 0.8% (0.3%-1.2%); and hepatitis C, 2.5% (1.4%-3. 6%). Condom use at last sexual intercourse with a new partner was reported by 44.0% (33.9%-54.1%). Injection drug use in the last 6 months was reported by 1.8% (1.0%-2.7%).

Conclusions: The Young Women's Survey provided population-based estimates of the prevalence of 8 infectious diseases and related risk behavior within a population for whom data are often difficult to collect. Population-based data are needed for appropriate targeting and planning of primary and secondary disease prevention.