Fuzzy Logic: vulnerability of women who have sex with women to sexually transmitted infections

Abstract

Objective: To describe the possibility of applying Fuzzy Logic in analyzing the vulnerability of Women Who Have Sex with Women to Sexually Transmitted Infections/HIV/AIDS. Methods: We developed a Fuzzy Logic system with 17 input variables and one output variable, using data related to vulnerability in a municipality located in the Midwest region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Results: The factor with the greatest positive impact was the confirmation that a low understanding of Sexually Transmitted Infections/HIV/AIDS is associated with higher vulnerability. Conversely, the statement “Not disclosing sexual activity to healthcare professionals,” where individuals do not admit to having sex with women, had the least impact. Conclusions: Fuzzy Logic facilitates the identification of vulnerability, expressed through the analysis of interaction between variables in each dimension. This makes it a promising method to assist in analyzing the vulnerability of specific populations.