Reducing AIDS risk among port workers in Santos, Brazil

Objectives. This study examined the impact of a worksite-based AIDS prevent ion program among port workers in Santos, Brazil, on sexual risk behavior f ur HIV infection. Methods. Male port workers (n = 226) were followed in a 3-wave prospective cohort study. A multifaceted intervention costing US $90 000 for 20 000 wor kers was conducted between waves 2 and 3. Results. Heterosexual risk behavior showed no decline between waves and 2 ( before the intervention) but decreased substantially between waves 2 and 3 (after the intervention). This decrease resulted from both a decrease in no nprimary partners and an increase in condom use. Conclusions. This worksite-based AIDS program produced marked behavior chan ge at modest cost.