Sexually transmitted disease/HIV risk behaviour among women who have sex with women.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the epidemiological aspects of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among women who have sex with women (WSW) in São Paulo, Brazil.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study with interviews and analysis of clinical and gynaecological tests in women, by means of a convenience sample. Characteristics were gathered according to age, sociobehavioural profile, reproductive life and sexuality.

RESULTS

The study included 145 women. They started sexual activity at an average age of 16.9 years, and 23.4% of them had had heterosexual relations during the preceding year, with a relatively low frequency of condom use. In sexual relations with women, 54.5% used condoms when they shared sex toys. A previous STD was reported by 38% of them. The following STD were diagnosed: trichomonas (3.8%), bacterial vaginosis (33.8%), fungi (25.6%), Chlamydia (1.8%), hepatitis B (7%), hepatitis C (2.1%), abnormal Pap smear (7.7%), human papillomavirus (6.2%) and HIV (2.9%).

CONCLUSION

In this study, many WSW did not report a single risk behaviour, but often reported a combination of several potential risk factors. Therefore, one cannot speak of high or low-risk behaviour for STD/HIV, but rather of multiple-risk behaviour. It is evident that there is a need for healthcare professionals to be correctly informed and sensitive towards the healthcare of WSW.