OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the distribution of the HIV-1 epidemic among California (CA) women, we analyzed HIV-1 seroprevalence and risk factors among women attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in 21 selected local health jurisdictions. METHODS. Using standardized protocols developed by the Centers for Disease Control, we tested unlinked serum specimens from women attending participating STD clinics in 1989. We analyzed demographic characteristics, HIV risk exposure groups, and results of HIV-1 antibody testing on 17,210 specimens. RESULTS. With an overall HIV-1 seroprevalence of 0.57%, rates were highest for black women, women 25-29 years of age, and injection drug users. After multiple logistic regression analysis, HIV-1 seropositivity remained highest for these groups. TABULAR DATA, SEE ABSTRACT VOLUME. CONCLUSIONS. The rate of HIV-1 infection for women attending STD clinics in CA underscores the continued need to make HIV counseling and testing an integral part of routine services for women being evaluated for, or presenting with, STDs.

Adult Age Factors Blacks California/EPIDEMIOLOGY Human *HIV Seroprevalence HIV-1/*IMMUNOLOGY Male Middle Age Regression Analysis Risk Factors Sexually Transmitted Diseases/*IMMUNOLOGY Substance Abuse, Intravenous/COMPLICATIONS ABSTRACT

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