[Distribution of AIDS cases in women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1982-1997: a spatial analysis].

The AIDS epidemic has spread and reached various population groups differently. The epidemic's dynamics have also differed according to the characteristics of different areas within cities, related to the principal modes of spread. This study analyzes the AIDS epidemic in women in the city of Rio de Janeiro using the space referential. The epidemic is on the rise among women, particularly in the Northern and Western Zones of the city. In this group it constitutes a "sub-epidemic", to the extent that it displays different characteristics in terms of clinical presentation, access to health services, and knowledge of risks. There was a high proportion of unknown transmission category among the women, thus revealing ignorance of their own risk situation. In addition, the high proportion of unknown level of schooling emphasizes the implications of the investigative system on quality of data recorded for women.