Dissertation (Ph.D.)--University of South Florida, 2006. / Title from PDF of title page. Document formatted into pages; contains 216 pages. Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) constitute a serious health issue because they play a significant role in the transmission of HIV. STDs are associated with increased risk of either acquiring or transmitting HIV because of the breaks and inflammation they cause on the genital lining and the skin. Prevention or treatment of STDs can significantly lower the risk of HIV transmission. The purpose of this study is to identify the socio economic factors in Rustenburg that fuel STDs and which could lead to the transmission of HIV among youth of Rustenburg, and to make suggestions on actions that could be taken to mitigate the effects of STDs and HIV infection in the community. The method used in this study was a qualitative approach. An interview guide with eighteen open-ended questions for semi structured interviews was undertaken amongst Rustenburg youth aged 20 to 35 attending clinic for STDs in two health facilities (Job Shimankane Tabane Hospital and Classic House Clinic) in Rustenburg. The following socio-economic factors: alcohol use, poverty, concurrent multiple sexual partnership, and commercial sex work were found to be contributing to the spread of STDs and HIV in Rustenburg. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Seksueel oordraagbare siektes (SOS) bly 'n ernstige openbare gesondheidskwessie as gevolg van die rol wat dit speel in die oordrag van MIV. SOS word geassosieer met 'n verhoogde risiko van beide die verkryging, of oordrag van MIV as gevolg van die breek en inflammasie wat dit veroorsaak op die voering van die geslagsorgane en die vel. Voorkoming of behandeling van seksueel oordraagbare siektes kan die risiko van oordraagbaarheid van MIV aansienlik verminder. Die doel van hierdie studie is om die sosio-ekonomiese faktore in Rustenburg te identifiseer wat seksueel oordraagbare siektes vererger wat kan lei tot die oordrag van MIV-infeksie onder die jeug van Rustenburg, en om voorstelle te maak oor stappe wat geneem kan word om die gevolge van seksueel oordraagbare siektes en MIV-infeksie te verminder in die gemeenskap. Die metode wat in hierdie studie gebruik is, was ‘n kwalitatiewe benadering. 'n Onderhoudgids met agtien ope vrae vir semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude, is onderneem onder die jeug van Rustenburg tussen die ouderdomme van 20-35 wat die kliniek vir seksuele oordraagbare siektes bywoon in twee gesondheidsfasiliteite in Rustenburg, naamlik (Job Shimankane Tabane-hospitaal en Classic House kliniek). Daar is gevind dat die volgende sosio-ekonomiese faktore naamlik die gebruik van alkohol, armoede, verskeie gelyktydige seksuele maats en kommersiële sekswerk, bydra tot die verspreiding van seksueel oordraagbare siektes en MIV in Rustenburg.

abstract: Despite the extensive research on the consequences of migration, little is known about the effects of seasonal migration on fertility, contraception and sexually transmitted diseases in the countries of former Soviet Union, that have undergone vast demographic changes in the last two decades. Using cross-sectional data from two surveys conducted in Armenia in 2005 and 2007, this dissertation is exploring the effects of seasonal migration on reproductive behavior and outcomes, as well as sexual health among women left-behind. The dissertation is constructed of three independent studies that combined draw the broad picture of the consequences of seasonal migration in this part of the world. The first study, "Seasonal migration and fertility in low-fertility areas of origin" looks at the effect of seasonal migration on yearly pregnancy rates, lifetime fertility, and fertility preferences among women and their husbands. The models are fitted using discrete-time logistic regression, and random-intercept logistic regression for negative binomial and binary outcomes, correspondingly. The findings show that seasonal migration in low-fertility settings does not further disrupt fertility levels in a short-, or long-run, contradicting to the findings from high-fertility settings. However, the study provides some evidence that seasonal migration is associated with increased fertility preferences among migrant men. The second study, "Seasonal migration and contraception among women left-behind", examines the associations between migration and modern contraceptive use, by looking at current contraceptive use and the history of abortions. A series of random-intercept logistic regression models reveal that women with migrant partners are significantly less likely to use modern contraceptives, than women married to non-migrants. They also have higher rates of abortions; however this effect is moderated by the socioeconomic status of the household. The third study, "Seasonal migration and risks of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among women left-behind", looks at the effects of seasonal migration on the diagnosed STDs in the last three years, and self reported STD-like symptoms in the last twelve months. The results of random-intercept logistic regression for negative binomial and binary outcomes provide strong evidence of increased STD risks among migrants' wives; however, this effect is also moderated by the household income. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Sociology 2011

abstract: This dissertation examines associations between religious affiliation, religious community context and health of women and their children in Mozambique focusing on the following issues: (1) attending prenatal consultations and delivering children in a health facility; (2) women's symptoms of STDs; and (3) under-five mortality. Estimation of random intercept Poisson regression for the outcome about attending prenatal consultations demonstrated a favorable effect of affiliation to Catholic or Mainline Protestant and Apostolic religious groups. The concentration of Zionist churches in the community had a negative influence. Random intercept logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship between religion and institutional child delivery. Affiliation to Catholic or Mainline Protestant denominations as well as concentration of Catholic or Mainline Protestant churches in the community had some beneficial effect on giving birth in health clinics. The presence of Zionist churches in the community had some negative effect and that of other groups no significant influence. Random intercept logistic regression was also employed for investigating the influence of religion on women's symptoms of STDs. Belonging to the Catholic or Mainline Protestant church had some protective effect on reporting symptoms of STDs. There was no effect of religious context, except that the concentration of Other Pentecostal churches had a positive effect on reporting symptoms of SDTs. Event-history analysis was conducted for examining relationships between maternal religious affiliation with under-five mortality. Affiliation to Catholic or Mainline Protestant churches and to Apostolic denominations increased the odds of child survival, although, the influence of having a mother belonging to Catholic or Mainline Protestant churches lost statistical significance after accounting particularly for the average level of education in the community, for the period of 5 years preceding the survey date. Taken together, the results in this dissertation show some protective effect of religion that varies primarily by denominational group to which women are affiliated. They also indicate that religious community context may have some negative effect on health of women and children. The nature of the effect of religious community context varies with the type of outcome considered and the type of religious mixture in the community. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Social Science and Health 2011

Name of the dissertation is:``View of sexually transmitted diseases in case of assisting professions``. I decided to deal with sexually transmitted diseases because the number of these diseases is relatively high and numbers of newly ill people keep increasing. This opinion is confirmed by the fact that, for example, number of HIV positive individuals in the Czech Republic slightly exceeded 100 in the year 1990 whereas the number HIV positive individuals was 1,344 in the year 2009, i.e. 19 years later. Considering also the fact that this disease is an incurable one and treatment of this disease is demanding on the ill people from thein mental as well as physical aspekt and considering also the total effect for society, it is very important indeed to pay attention on this issue. Theoretical part divides sexually transmitted diseases according the often used division in classic generál diseases. They include inguinal granuloma, gonorrhoea, soft chancre, syphilis and venereal lymphogranuloma. Another diseases which include HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, genital herpes, infections caused by the virus Human papillom, scabies or pubic louses were dealt with only marginally. The last chapter is focused on assisting professions. The goal of the work was to look at the issue from the point of view of assisting professions staff. To find out whether they are interested in the issue, what is their awareness, etc. This goal has been met. Conversations, for example, revealed that employees who are in everyday contact with people who live risky way of living (drug addicts, homeless people, etc.) are better aware of issue concering sexually transmitted diseases than respondents who work with children or seniors. None of the respondents underwent any additional training in this issue. The selected methodology was represented by quality research and the selected method was represented by partially controlled interview with six selected representatives from assisting professions. The overall knowledge will be used not only to find out but also the to complete or correct information on the issue for employees in assisting professions. Information on the issue can be further disseminated among clients via these professionals within primary prevention.

Orientador: Kester Carrara / Banca: Sandra Regina Gimeniz-Paschoal / Banca: Sandra Leal Calais / Resumo: Estudos sobre prevenção de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis e gravidez precoce em populações jovens demonstram que esse público apresenta, cada vez mais, melhor nível de conhecimento sobre as doenças e sobre o uso do preservativo. Entretanto, ainda é relativamente alto o número de jovens que não usam o preservativo durante as relações sexuais. Apesar de a Análise do Comportamento possuir um considerável potencial para auxiliar na compreensão dos processos culturais, ainda são escassos os trabalhos em Análisedo Comportamento possuir um considerável potencial para auxiliar na compreensão dos processos culturais, ainda são escassos os trabalhos em Análise do Comportamento com enfoque sobre a cultura. O presente estudo objetivou identificar e descrever características do uso de preservativos e possíveis variáveis controladoras desse comportamento em estudantes com idades entre 13 e 18 anos. Para tanto foram analisadas regras que agiam como estímulos discriminatvos antecedentes aos comportamentos de usar ou não preservativo, bem como consequências de punição ou reforçamento disponibilizadas pelos pais ou responsáveis e por serviços de saúde. Participaram da pesquisa 191 adolescentes, de ambos os sexos, estudantes de uma escola da rede pública da cidade de Bauru. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário estruturado, elaborado e aplicado pela própria pesquisadora. Do total den estudantes, 83% se encontravam na faixa de 14 a 16 anos, sendo 92 do sexo masculino e 99 do sexo feminino. Em relação às famílias, 75% dos participantes residiam com cerca de 3 a 5 pessoas, sendo 43% familias nucleares.Quanto à experiência sexual, 65 participantes declararam já ter tido relações sexuais. Destes, 51 afirmaram terem usado preservativo durante a primeira relação sexual. Apenas 27 adolescentes declararam uso em todas as relações e somente... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Studies on prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and premature pregnancy in young populations demonostrate that this public has increasingly improved knowledge about diseases and the use of condoms. However, it is still relatively high the number of young people who do not use condoms during sex. Althrough behavior analysis has a considerable potential to assist in the understanding of cultural processes there are still very few studies in behavior analysis with a focus on culture. This study aimed to identify and describe characteristics of condom use and possible behavior controlling variables in students aged between 13 and 18 years old. Therefore, some rules have been analyzed, and they acted as discriminative stimuli prior to the behavior of using condoms or not, as well as consequential punishment and reinforcement provided by parents or guardians and health services. 191 teenagers, of both sexes, from a public school in the city of Bauru, took part in the survey. Data were collected using a structure questionnaire, which was prepared and applied by the researcher herself. Of all students 83% were aged from 14 to 16 years, 92 male and 99 female. Concerning the families, 75% of the participants live with 3 to 5 people, 43% of those are nuclear families. As for the sexual experience, 65 participants said they had had sex. Of these, 51 report having used a condom using the first intercourse. Only 27 teens reported using condoms in all relationships and only 23 reported talking to their parther about condom use. Faced with situations where it is necessary to use condoms, only 18 students market all alternatives. "When it is using other methods", "when it is healthy" and "when there is love" were not market by, respectively, 77%, 58% and 66% of the sample. Receiving information from their parents about... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

The study deals with ways to protect students of the Faculty of Health and Social University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice against sexually transmitted diseases. The group consisted of students of the Faculty of Health and Social University of South Bohemia . The aim of this work consists in monitoring students' knowledge of Health and Social Faculty of sexually transmitted diseases and mapping the extent of health students from the Faculty of Health and Social sexually transmitted diseases. The theoretical part describes the evolution of human sexual behavior. It describes the characteristics of the different stages of development issues and pitfalls of each of these periods. The practical part monitors the students' knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases, while also monitoring their sexual behavior and surveyed coverage of girls against cervical cancer . As a tool of data collection method was used questioning, which was carried out using a questionnaire. Quota for the research was to study the JU Faculty, students , elected to field ZSF JU and the form of study. The whole research was preceded by partial study , which was supposed to verify all stages of research tools and data collection, sample survey and analysis.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:29:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-12-06Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:58:30Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 brum_mm_me_bauru.pdf: 392826 bytes, checksum: d1726c4f4032e4d2766bc6820d6f5b0e (MD5) / Estudos sobre prevenção de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis e gravidez precoce em populações jovens demonstram que esse público apresenta, cada vez mais, melhor nível de conhecimento sobre as doenças e sobre o uso do preservativo. Entretanto, ainda é relativamente alto o número de jovens que não usam o preservativo durante as relações sexuais. Apesar de a Análise do Comportamento possuir um considerável potencial para auxiliar na compreensão dos processos culturais, ainda são escassos os trabalhos em Análisedo Comportamento possuir um considerável potencial para auxiliar na compreensão dos processos culturais, ainda são escassos os trabalhos em Análise do Comportamento com enfoque sobre a cultura. O presente estudo objetivou identificar e descrever características do uso de preservativos e possíveis variáveis controladoras desse comportamento em estudantes com idades entre 13 e 18 anos. Para tanto foram analisadas regras que agiam como estímulos discriminatvos antecedentes aos comportamentos de usar ou não preservativo, bem como consequências de punição ou reforçamento disponibilizadas pelos pais ou responsáveis e por serviços de saúde. Participaram da pesquisa 191 adolescentes, de ambos os sexos, estudantes de uma escola da rede pública da cidade de Bauru. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário estruturado, elaborado e aplicado pela própria pesquisadora. Do total den estudantes, 83% se encontravam na faixa de 14 a 16 anos, sendo 92 do sexo masculino e 99 do sexo feminino. Em relação às famílias, 75% dos participantes residiam com cerca de 3 a 5 pessoas, sendo 43% familias nucleares.Quanto à experiência sexual, 65 participantes declararam já ter tido relações sexuais. Destes, 51 afirmaram terem usado preservativo durante a primeira relação sexual. Apenas 27 adolescentes declararam uso em todas as relações e somente... / Studies on prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and premature pregnancy in young populations demonostrate that this public has increasingly improved knowledge about diseases and the use of condoms. However, it is still relatively high the number of young people who do not use condoms during sex. Althrough behavior analysis has a considerable potential to assist in the understanding of cultural processes there are still very few studies in behavior analysis with a focus on culture. This study aimed to identify and describe characteristics of condom use and possible behavior controlling variables in students aged between 13 and 18 years old. Therefore, some rules have been analyzed, and they acted as discriminative stimuli prior to the behavior of using condoms or not, as well as consequential punishment and reinforcement provided by parents or guardians and health services. 191 teenagers, of both sexes, from a public school in the city of Bauru, took part in the survey. Data were collected using a structure questionnaire, which was prepared and applied by the researcher herself. Of all students 83% were aged from 14 to 16 years, 92 male and 99 female. Concerning the families, 75% of the participants live with 3 to 5 people, 43% of those are nuclear families. As for the sexual experience, 65 participants said they had had sex. Of these, 51 report having used a condom using the first intercourse. Only 27 teens reported using condoms in all relationships and only 23 reported talking to their parther about condom use. Faced with situations where it is necessary to use condoms, only 18 students market all alternatives. When it is using other methods, when it is healthy and when there is love were not market by, respectively, 77%, 58% and 66% of the sample. Receiving information from their parents about... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de NÃvel Superior / à indiscutÃvel a relevÃncia da temÃtica de orientaÃÃo à Pessoa com DeficiÃncia (PcD) visual quanto à prevenÃÃo das DoenÃas Sexualmente TransmissÃveis (DST). Se as DST representam um risco Ãs pessoas sem deficiÃncia, para as PcD, os riscos podem se tornar ampliados. Para essa populaÃÃo, dispÃe-se da Tecnologia Assistiva (TA), a qual se constitui de materiais, mÃtodos e processos adaptados Ãs suas necessidades. O crescente nÃmero de ferramentas computacionais direcionadas para a PcD permite a inclusÃo dessas pessoas na educaÃÃo e promoÃÃo da saÃde. O objetivo deste estudo foi validar uma TA na prevenÃÃo de DST para a promoÃÃo da saÃde da PcD visual. Trata-se de estudo de validaÃÃo de TA, desenvolvido no ambiente virtual do LaboratÃrio de ComunicaÃÃo em SaÃde do Departamento de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal do Cearà (www.labcomsaude.ufc.br). A TA à composta por um texto rimado, gravado em Ãudio e disponibilizado no site do referido laboratÃrio para ser acessada a distÃncia. O perÃodo da coleta de dados ocorreu entre maio e setembro de 2012, com a utilizaÃÃo dos endereÃos eletrÃnicos dos sujeitos. Foram sujeitos do estudo 14 especialistas em conteÃdo e aspectos pedagÃgicos. O estudo foi realizado em trÃs etapas: validaÃÃo aparente e de conteÃdo do instrumento de avaliaÃÃo de conteÃdo; validaÃÃo do texto por especialistas em conteÃdo; e validaÃÃo por especialistas em aspectos pedagÃgicos com experiÃncia em educaÃÃo especial. A anÃlise dos dados ocorreu com base nas consideraÃÃes emitidas pelos sujeitos, atravÃs da organizaÃÃo e do processamento das pontuaÃÃes do instrumento, analisadas quantitativamente. Os aspectos Ãticos foram respeitados, conforme ResoluÃÃo 196/96, aprovado sob protocolo 37/12. Quanto ao conteÃdo, referente aos objetivos, apresentaram Ãndices insatisfatÃrios: (1.6) ressalta os tipos de tratamento das DoenÃas Sexualmente TransmissÃveis; (1.9) incentiva mudanÃa de comportamento e atitude e (1.12) esclarece possÃveis dÃvidas sobre a temÃtica. No tocante à estrutura e apresentaÃÃo, os itens (2.4) o tamanho do texto à adequado e (2.5) a sequÃncia do conteÃdo proposto à lÃgica obtiveram Ãndices de concordÃncia inadequados. Na terceira e Ãltima parte, referente à relevÃncia da TA, dois itens tambÃm apresentaram Ãndices de concordÃncia indesejados: (3.2) permite a transferÃncia e generalizaÃÃo do aprendizado para diferentes contextos e (3.5) retrata os aspectos necessÃrios ao esclarecimento à famÃlia (jovens, adultos e idosos). Nos aspectos pedagÃgicos, um dos itens do instrumento, (2.2) està apropriado à faixa etÃria proposta, e suas definiÃÃes operacionais atingiram o Ãndice de concordÃncia tambÃm inadequado. Mesmo com resultados satisfatÃrios, as contribuiÃÃes foram analisadas e acatadas em sua maioria. A TA desenvolvida foi validada em relaÃÃo ao conteÃdo das DST e aos aspectos relacionados à educaÃÃo das PcD visual, ou seja, os aspectos pedagÃgicos. A tecnologia em saÃde tem a capacidade de tornar o processo de aprendizagem conveniente, acessÃvel e estimulante. A utilizaÃÃo do computador e da internet, associada à prÃtica educativa em saÃde, pode se apresentar como meio eficaz de promover a saÃde da PcD visual ao proporcionar o acesso a informaÃÃes e incentivar a autonomia deste. Acredita-se que o incentivo ao uso do preservativo e o conhecimento proporcionado quanto à ocorrÃncia de uma DST sÃo capazes de sensibilizar a PcD visual para necessidade da prevenÃÃo e adoÃÃo de prÃtica sexual segura. / The relevance of orientations on the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) for Visually Impaired People (IPs) lies beyond discussion. If STDs represent a risk for people without disabilities, for IPs, these risks can be enhanced. For this population, Assistive Technology (AT) is available, which comprises materials, methods and processes adapted to their needs. The growing number of computer tools for IPs permits these peopleâs inclusion in health education and promotion. The aim in this study was to validate an AT on the prevention of STDs with a view to health promotion for visually IPs. An AT validation study was developed in the virtual environment of the Health Communication Laboratory at the Nursing Department of Universidade Federal do Cearà (www.labcomsaude.ufc.br). The AT consists of an audio-recorded rhymed text, which is available on the laboratory website for distance access. Data were collected between May and September 2012, using the subjectsâ electronic addresses. Subjects were 14 experts in contents and pedagogical aspects. The study was undertaken in three phases: face and content validity of the content evaluation instrument; content expert validation of the text; and validation by experts in pedagogical aspects experienced in special education. Data analysis was based on the participantsâ considerations, through the organization and processing of instrument scores, subject to quantitative analysis. Ethical aspects were respected, incompliance with Resolution 196/96, approved under protocol 37/12. As regards the contents related to the objectives, the following items obtained unsatisfactory scores: (1.6) highlights the types of treatment for Sexually Transmitted Diseases; (1.9) encourages behavior and attitude change and (1.12) clarifies possible doubts on the theme. Regarding the structure and presentation, items (2.4) the text size is appropriate and (2.5) the sequence of the proposed contents is logical obtained inappropriate agreement rates. In the third and final part, related to the relevance of the AT, two items also showed inappropriate agreement rates: (3.2) permits the transfer and generalization of learning to different contexts and (3.5) pictures the aspects needed to inform the family (young people, adults and elderly). As regards pedagogical aspects, one of the instrument items, (2.2) is appropriate to the proposed age range and its operational definitions also reached an inappropriate agreement level. Despite satisfactory results, the contributions were analyzed and most of them were accepted. The developed AT was validated with regard to the STD contents and the aspects related to the education of visually IPs, that is, the pedagogical aspects. Health technology can turn the learning process convenient, accessible and stimulating. The use of the computer and Internet, associated with health education, can be an effective means to promote the health of visually IPs by granting access to information and encouraging their autonomy. The researchers believe that the encouragement of condom use and knowledge granted on the occurrence of an STD can sensitize visually IPs towards the need for prevention and the adoption of safe sexual practices.

Introdução: A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C é atualmente um dos maiores problemas de saúde pública em todo o mundo. Sua principal via de transmissão é a parenteral, por meio da transfusão de sangue e hemoderivados e pelo uso de drogas injetáveis. A transmissão por via sexual é controversa e vem sendo objeto de estudos nos últimos anos. Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência do vírus da hepatite C em portadores de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis, correlacionar os achados sorológicos da população estudada com os fatores de risco para transmissão do vírus da hepatite C e analisar o papel da via sexual como meio de transmissão da doença. Casuística e Métodos: O estudo foi realizado em 1.000 pacientes portadores de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis atendidos no Centro de Saúde Escola Geraldo Paula Souza da Faculdade de Saúde Pública da Universidade de São Paulo e no Ambulatório de Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis da Divisão de Dermatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo, no período de janeiro de 2004 a dezembro de 2006. Os pacientes foram entrevistados para identificação de fatores de risco para transmissão do vírus da hepatite C e foram colhidas amostras para realização de sorologia para hepatite C e HIV. Os dados coletados incluiram idade, orientação sexual, antecedente pessoal de transfusão de sangue ou hemoderivados antes de 1993, antecedente pessoal de uso de drogas injetáveis e a presença de tatuagem ou piercing. Resultados: Do total de 1.000 pacientes estudados, 44 (4,4%) apresentaram sorologia positiva para hepatite C. A avaliação do subgrupo de pacientes que não apresentava fatores de risco para transmissão do vírus da hepatite C apresentou taxa de soropositividade de 3,68% Os fatores de risco estatisticamente significantes (p<0,05) na população estudada foram o uso de droga injetável, infecção pelo HIV e idade igual ou superior a 29 anos. Conclusão: Em nosso trabalho, com a aplicação de modelo logístico multivariado, os fatores de risco estatisticamente significantes para transmissão do vírus da hepatite C foram o uso de droga injetável, infecção pelo HIV e idade igual superior a 29 anos, resultados semelhantes aos dados de literatura. Não foram estatisticamente significantes as associações entre presença de tatuagem, presença de piercing, orientação sexual e positividade ao anti-VHC. As taxas de prevalência observadas na população total estudada, bem como no subgrupo dos pacientes sem fatores de risco para hepatite C são maiores que as taxas observadas em estudos populacionais, o que nos permite inferir que a via sexual, embora secundária, deva ser considerada como possível via de transmissão do vírus da hepatite C / Introduction: The infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is currently one of the major issues in public health all over the world. The viruss main route of transmission is parenteral, either by transfusion of blood and blood products or by intravenous drug use. The transmission of HCV by sexual contact is questionable, and has become the focus of recent studies. Objective: To evaluate the rate of hepatitis C virus detection in patients with sexually transmitted diseases, and to correlate the serologic findings with risk factors for acquiring the HCV, in order to study the role of the sexual contact as a mode of transmission of the virus. Methods: One thousand patients with sexually transmitted diseases who regularly attended the outpatient clinic of the University of São Paulo School of Public Health and the Division of Dermatologys outpatient clinic for Sexually Transmitted Diseases at the University of São Paulo Clinics Hospital were admitted to the study, from January 2004 to December 2006. Patients were enquired about risk factors for hepatitis C virus acquisition. Analyzed data included age, sexual orientation, blood or blood product transfusion before 1993, intravenous drug use and presence of tattoos or body piercing. Blood samples were then collected for both hepatitis C and HIV serologic testing. Results: Forty-four of the 1,000 patients studied (4.4%) had positive hepatitis C virus serology. Among those patients with no risk factors for hepatitis C infection, the rate of positive serology was 3.68%. Risk factors significantly associated (p<0.05) with hepatitis C virus acquisition were: intravenous drug use, concomitant HIV infection and age 29 years or greater. Conclusions: Through a multivariate analysis, our study showed that the risk factors with a statistically significant correlation with hepatitis C virus positivity were intravenous drug use, HIV infection and age 29 years or greater, which were similar to those described in other studies. There was no significant association between HCV positivity and tattoos, body piercing or sexual orientation. However, the prevalence of hepatitis C virus in our study population and in the subgroup of patients with no risk factors was higher than the prevalence in other populational studies. These results suggest that sexual contact should be considered as a possible mode of hepatitis C virus transmission, even though it may have a secondary role