Programa Pegacao: an outreach program for male commercial sex workers in Rio de Janeiro.

The risk factors of HIV transmission in male homosexual commercial sex workers or "miches" were examined in a sample in Rio de Janeiro. The evaluation process contained 2 phases: 1) from January 15 to April 30 1992 a questionnaire was administered ethnographic observations were made at program sites and semi-structured interviews were conducted and 2) the work of the previous phase is to be completed in the future. 45 short interviews were conducted at 2 sites (Central do Brasil a poor area and Bar Maxims at the beach) with miches. Information was collected on demographic characteristics history of contacts and health services knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS and relevant sexual practices. Most miches were 17-25 years old. 7 of 29 miches at Maxims claimed to have secondary school education while only 2 did at the Central. Only 14% were natives of the city 1/3 were living in the streets and many were sharing apartments. 7 respondents accounted for almost 2/3 of all customers reported. Sex work was not the sole source of income by the majority. About half of them had contact either with public hospitals or health clinics and private health care was unthinkable for them. They often consulted pharmacists for treatment and used nonmedical remedies. They felt indignant about inquiry concerning sexually transmitted diseases although 55.6% of them had had an STD. They perceived the risk of contracting HIV infection even though their knowledge level was low. Two-thirds had difficulty in explaining how to use a condom and 60% agreed that those in monogamous relationships are not at risk of HIV infection. Almost none of them could distinguish between HIV infection and AIDS. 47.7% said that they had had commercial sex partners the previous week and 13.3% had had sex with regular noncommercial partners.