Socioeconomic disparities associated with symptomatic Zika virus infections in pregnancy and congenital microcephaly: A spatiotemporal analysis from Goiânia, Brazil (2016 to 2020).

The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic, which was followed by an unprecedented outbreak of congenital microcephaly, emerged in Brazil unevenly, with apparent pockets of susceptibility. The present study aimed to detect high-risk areas for ZIKV infection and microcephaly in Goiania, a large city of 1.5 million inhabitants in Central-West Brazil.

Molecular and epidemiological aspects of hepatitis C virus infection among crack cocaine users.

The aim is to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes/subtypes among crack users in-treatment in Central Brazil. A cross-sectional survey in which 600 in-treatment crack users were interviewed and tested for anti-HCV Ab by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted between August 2012 and April 2013. Anti-HCV-positive samples were also submitted for HCV RNA detection by polymerase chain reaction.

HIV-1 infection among crack cocaine users in a region far from the epicenter of the HIV epidemic in Brazil: Prevalence and molecular characteristics.

Brazil has the largest cocaine market in South America, and crack cocaine use is closely associated with HIV-1 infection. This study investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and HIV-1 subtypes, including recombinant forms and mutations associated with drug resistance, among crack cocaine users in Central-West Brazil. We recruited 600 crack cocaine users admitted to a referral hospital in Goiânia for psychiatric disorders.

Viral hepatitis in female sex workers using the Respondent-Driven Sampling.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus and C virus infections and their genotypes and analyze the risk factors for the markers of exposure to hepatitis B virus in female sex workers in a region of intense sex trade.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study performed with four hundred and two female sex workers in Goiânia, Brazil. Data have been collected using the Respondent-Driven Sampling.

Risk behaviors for sexually transmitted diseases among crack users.

Objectives: to investigate the prevalence and risk behaviors by means of reporting of sexually transmitted diseases among crack users.

Method: cross-sectional study carried out with 588 crack users in a referral care unit for the treatment of chemical dependency. Data were collected by means of face-to-face interview and analyzed using Stata statistical software, version 8.

Outreach hepatitis B vaccination of female sex workers in central-west Brazil: immunization status, compliance, and immune response.

Objectives: To evaluate the hepatitis B immunization status of female sex workers (FSWs) in Central-West Brazil and to evaluate their compliance with and immune response to hepatitis B vaccination delivered using outreach strategies.

Methods: A total of 721 FSWs recruited in 2 large cities in Central-West Brazil were interviewed and screened for the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers. Hepatitis B vaccine was offered to all women susceptible to HBV, using outreach strategies.

Vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections in women who sell sex on the route of prostitution and sex tourism in central Brazil.

Objective: to investigate knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), STD-related risk behaviors, and signs/symptoms of STDs among female sex workers (FSWs).

Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with a probabilistic sample comprising 395 women recruited using a respondent-driven sampling method between 2009 and 2010. The data were collected during face-to-face interviews.

[Risk behaviors for sexually transmitted diseases among truck drivers in Brazil].

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and associated risk factors based on self-reporting by long-haul truck drivers in Brazil.

Method: From October 2005-October 2006, 641 long-haul truck drivers that travel federal highway BR-153, traversing the country from south to north, were interviewed. A structured interview was used to collect sociodemographic data.