Profile of sexually exposed individuals attended in a specialized care service STD/AIDS

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify the profile of the individuals searching for care in a Specialized Care Service (SCS) in HIV/AIDS for guidance, prevention and prophylaxis for HIV after sexual exposure. Methods: Quantitative, descriptive study, based on secondary data from 312 service reports from December 2010 to December 2014 in an SCS in Porto Alegre/Brazil. The selected data were: age; sex; exposure routes; positive / negative cases in the first test; return for follow-up and antiretrovirals used in prophylaxis. Results: Male gender predominated (73.7%), the age group with the highest incidence was between 20 and 39 years old (75.1%). The most chosen route for sexual practice was the vaginal one with 52.6%. In 63.3% of cases, patients were unaware of their partners’ serology and 35.7% knew their partner had the HIV virus, but did not use a condom. Even if exposed to partners with unknown or known HIV serology, 61.6% did not return to SCS. The two most prescribed antiretrovirals were those recommended by the Ministry of Health at the time. Conclusion: It is suggested to implement measures and campaigns to assist in the prevention of AIDS and, also, reinforce the importance of carrying out all stages of monitoring after sexual exposure.