This study analyzes the user profile of HIV Testing and Counseling Centers in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in 2005, and factors associated with HIV infection. The methodology employed a retrospective, cross-sectional study of individuals who attended Testing and Counseling Centers. Data from 22,846 interviews were analyzed (64.7% women and 35.3% men). HIV prevalence was 2.0% in women and 5.6% in men. Statistical analysis used bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression by gender. According to the Poisson regression, factors associated with HIV+ status were age bracket, schooling, marital status, professional situation, population group, steady partner's risk status, condom use, and reason for not using condoms with steady partner; for men, the independent variables were age bracket, schooling, type of partner, population group, steady partner's risk status, condom use, and reason for not using condoms with steady partner. HIV+ patterns differed between men and women, so that customized preventive approaches are needed.
Health Profile; Anonymous Testing; Counseling; HIV
