VIH en habitantes de calle de Medellín / HIV among the street dwellers of Medellín

OBJETIVO: determinar la prevalencia de VIH y las características socio-demográficas del habitante de calle en la ciudad de Medellín, con la finalidad de ampliar la comprensión de la problemática en este grupo vulnerable. METODOLOGÍA: se realizó un estudio de corte transversal; se determinó la seroprevalencia de VIH y los comportamientos de riesgo. El procesamiento se realizó mediante el software SPSS 8.0. El análisis bivariado se acompañó con pruebas estadísticas. RESULTADOS: se encuestaron 230 habitantes de calle,de los cuales el 69,6% eran hombres, con promedio de edad de 38 ± 10,9 años; se identificó una prevalencia de VIH del 7,8%; entre los hombres esta prevalencia fue de 10% y entre las mujeres fue de 2,9%. Por grupos de edad, el 12% de las personas de 25 a 34 años tenían VIH, el 11% de los mayores de 55 años y el 8% de las personas de 18 a 24 años. El 41% de los hombres y el 30% de las mujeres tenían creencias correctas sobre la transmisión del VIH. DISCUSIÓN: la prevalencia del 7,8% muestra que la infección por VIH en Colombia está concentrada en poblaciones que se encuentran en condiciones de exclusión, estigma y discriminación, y que se requieren acciones focalizadas hacia grupos vulnerables.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence of HIV among the street dwellers of the city of Medellin (Colombia) as well as their socio-demographic characteristics in order to deepen the understanding of the problems faced by this vulnerable group. METHODOLOGY: a cross-sectional study was conducted in which HIV seroprevalence and risk behaviors were determined. Data was processed using the SPSS 8.0 software, and the bivariate analysis was conducted using statistical methods. RESULTS: a survey was conducted on 230 street dwellers, 69.6% of which were men. The average age was 38 ± 10.9 years, and HIV prevalence was 7.8%. This prevalence was 10% for men and 2.9% for women. The rate of infected individuals was 12% for those aged 25 to 34, 11% for individuals aged 55, and 8% for those aged 18 to 24. Additionally, 41% of men and 30% of women had correct beliefs regarding HIV transmission. DISCUSSION: the prevalence value of 7.8%, shows that HIV infections in Colombia are concentrated in populations in a state of exclusion, stigma, and discrimination. This value also shows a need for actions targeting vulnerable groups.

[Risk of pathological gambling, Associated factors and mental disorders in youth from Medellin - Colombia]. / Riesgo de Juego Patológico. Factores y trastornos mentales asociados en jóvenes de Medellín - Colombia.

AIMS: To study the risk of pathological gambling and its possible relation with mental disorders and school and family problems in a population of school pupils from the city of Medellin (Colombia), with a view to providing guidance for mental health care. METHOD: Cross-sectional study; sample comprises 3486 students aged 10 to 19 years selected from all the educational institutions in the city. The sample is probabilistic and represents an estimated population of 290,000 young people from Medellin. The SOGS instrument (South Oaks Gambling Screening) was used for screening risk and likelihood of problem gambling. The analytic stage assessed possible associated factors such as mental disorders, alcohol use and drug use, with statistical significance levels of 5% and prevalence rates with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 48.6% were without problems, 37.6% were at risk and 13.8% were possible pathological gamblers. Males were more at risk than females (2.5:1), and the highest proportion of possible pathological gamblers was in the 10-14 age group (58.7%), vs. the 15-19 group (41.3%). Pathological gambling in young people is associated in this study with: anxiety OR=2.1(1.69-2.60), depression OR=1.73(1.33-2.24), suicide attempt OR=1.85(1.20-2.85), impulsivity OR=3.48(2.85-4.26), violent behavior OR=4.64(3.57-5.58), and problems at school OR=2.46(1.97-3.06); recent use of cigarettes, drunkenness and illegal drugs (use/addiction) were identified as associated risk factors, p value: <0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Pathological gambling risk is high in this young population, and is associated with mental disorders, use of psychoactive substances, and school and family problems. This situation suggests the need for large-scale and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic intervention measures for addressing the problem.