A prevenção ao HIV/IST nas trajetórias afetivo-sexuais de jovens cariocas: um olhar interseccional sobre práticas preventivas e contextos de vulnerabilidade

Abstract

The reduction of investments in actions to promote young people’s sexual and reproductive rights has increased the vulnerability of youth to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Brazil. Because the epidemic is concentrated, it is more frequently studied in key populations. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the HIV and STI prevention strategies used by young men and women aged 18 to 25, of different sexual orientations, predominantly Black, and from lower-income classes, in Rio de Janeiro.The study draws on empirical material from the multicenter research project “Digital Age Youth,” coordinated by FSP/USP with support from CNPq. It is a socio-anthropological study that explores the relationship of young people “born in the digital age” with sexuality, reproduction, social networks, vulnerability, and forms of HIV, AIDS, and STI prevention, considering social markers of difference (class, race, gender, among others). A total of 13 in-depth interviews were analyzed, nine with women and five with men. Heterosexual youth rely more frequently on trust within sexual partnerships as a prevention strategy compared to LGBTQIA+ youth, who reported higher risk perception and more diverse preventive practices, such as more consistent condom use—primarily external condoms. Testing is sporadic and often motivated by reasons other than concern about the possibility of contracting HIV/STIs. Knowledge of antiretroviral (ARV)-based prevention strategies is limited. Experiences of intersectional oppression involving gender, sexuality, race/color, class, territory, and/or ability were associated with contexts of greater vulnerability, including programmatic vulnerability. HIV/AIDS-related stigma appeared in the trajectories of some young people, linked to lower risk perception for HIV/STIs and to experiences of prejudice and discrimination. Young people connected to institutions that promote critical formative approaches—such as universities, LGBTQIA+ activism groups, civil society organizations, and college preparatory courses—demonstrated higher risk perception and more diversified prevention strategies. The findings highlight the importance of investing in social and community-based approaches that address the structural and social determinants of the epidemic, alongside the availability of biomedical HIV/STI prevention technologies.