HIV-related high risk sexual behaviors and practices among women in Bogota, Colombia

Determinants associated with high-risk sexual behaviors were investigated i n 1,133 sexually active women in Bogota, Colombia. A self-administered ques tionnaire was completed by two groups of women: 721 representing the genera l population (GP), and 412 commercial sex workers (CSWs), High-risk sexual behaviors for HIV/AIDS were evident in both groups. Nevertheless, consisten t condom use was reported by only 6% of the GP soup, as compared to 67% of the CSWs. Failure to recognize high-risk routes fur HIV infection was indic ated in 69% of the GP women for anal sex, and by the majority of both group s fur intercourse during menses (56% GP women and 54% CSWs). Multivariate a nalysis revealed that education level, actual age, and age of first sex exp erience were significant predictors of high-risk sexual practices. The nece ssity for educational programs regarding high-risk sexual practices and ris k of HIV/AIDS is evident fur HIV/AIDS prevention.