Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for HIV Infection Among Incarcerated Men in Sorocaba, Brazil

We describe prevalence and risk factors for HIV infection among 1,059 inmates in two prisons in Sorocaba, Brazil. Sociodemographics, prison history, and sexual and drug exposures were assessed by interviewer–administered questionnaire. HIV infection was detected in 115 (12.6%) inmates. Seroprevalence was 35% among those with a history of IDU (OR = 11.4, 95% CI 5.58–23.5). Sex with female visitors was reported by 66%, and homosexual practices with other inmates by 10%. Independent predictors of HIV infection were age <35 years (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.4), birthplace (natives of Sorocaba; OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.2–3.8), and number of previous incarcerations (≥1 compared to 0) (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.07–2.7). Prevalence of HIV infection among these inmates is comparable to rates in metropolitan Sao Paulo and other prison populations internationally. The use of injecting drugs is the most important risk exposure in this population. These findings indicate an urgent need to institute prevention programs for this population both inside and outside prisons.