Prevalence of HIV infection, sexually transmitted diseases, and hepatitis and related risk behavior in young women living in low-income neighborhoodsof northern California

Objective To estimate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, sexually transmitted diseases, and hepatitis and the associated sexual and drug-using behavior among women residing in low-income neighborh oods in 5 northern California counties. Methods From April 4, 1936, to Janu ary 6, 1998, women aged 18 to 29 years were recruited door-to-door from ran domly selected street blocks within 1990 census block groups below the 10th percentile for median household income fur each county. Results Of 24,223 dwellings enumerated, contact was made with residents from 19,546 (80.7%). Within contacted dwellings, 3,560 eligible women were identified and 2,545 enrolled (71.5%). Weighted estimates for disease prevalence were HIV infect ion, 0.3% (95% confidence interval, 0.1%-0.4%); syphilis, 0.7% (0.3%-1.1%); gonorrhea, 0.8% (0.3%-1.3%); chlamydia, 3.3% (2.4%-4.8%); herpes simplex v irus, type 1, 73.7% (71.6%-76.9%); herpes simplex virus, type 2, 34.4% (29. 3%-39.0%); hepatitis A, 33.5% (28.3%-38.7%); chronic hepatitis B, 0.8% (0.3 %-1.2%); and hepatitis C, 2.5% (1.4%-3.6%). Condom use at last sexual inter course with a new partner was reported by 44.0% (33.3%-54.1%). Injection dr ug use in the last 6 months was reported by 1.8% (1.0%-2.7%). Conclusions T he Young Women's Survey provided population-based estimates of the prevalen ce of 8 infectious diseases and related risk behavior within a population f or whom data are often difficult to collect. Population-based data are need ed for appropriate targeting and planning of primary and secondary disease prevention.