Violence, Discrimination, and High Levels of Symptoms of Depression Among Adolescent Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Brazil.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at describing the prevalence of symptoms of depression among 15-19 year old adolescent men who have sex with men (aMSM) and transgender women (aTGW), who were recruited in an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis cohort study in three Brazilian capital cities. The study also examined potential associations, including violence and discrimination, with severe symptoms of depression among aMSM. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of baseline data among 730 aMSM and 56 aTGW recruited between February 2019 and February 2021. Sociodemographic and behavioral data were collected. The 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale was used to screen for symptoms of depression. Scores of ≥22 points indicate the presence of severe symptoms associated with major depression. Logistic regression was used to assess independent associations among aMSM, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: Our findings indicate a high prevalence of symptoms of depression (overall prevalence = 58.5% and 69.6%; 21.2% and 25.0% for mild/moderate, and 37.3% and 44.6% for severe) among these aMSM and aTGW, respectively. Psychological violence (aOR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.12-2.70), sexual violence (aOR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.07-2.98), and discrimination due to sexual orientation (aOR = 1.71; 95% CI = 1.23-2.38) were independently associated with severe symptoms of depression in aMSM. DISCUSSION: The high prevalence of severe symptoms of depression and its association with psychological and sexual violence and discrimination creates cycles of vulnerability and carries important public health implications. Thus, our findings indicate public policies should consider assessing depression, psychological and sexual violence, as well as discrimination, especially in populations that will be targeted by interventions, such as the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Same-Day Initiation of Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis is High Among Adolescent Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Brazil.

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of adolescent men who have sex with men (aMSM) and transgender women (aTGW) initiating oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention clinics. METHODS: PrEP1519 is a prospective, multicenter, open-label PrEP demonstration cohort study of aMSM and aTGW aged 15-19 years living in three large Brazilian capital cities. For this analysis, we included adolescents who enrolled in PrEP1519 from February 2019 to August 2021. Adolescents who visited PrEP clinics were classified into four groups based on PrEP eligibility and on their decision to use PrEP: (1) ineligible for same-day PrEP initiation; (2) eligible for same-day PrEP initiation, initiated PrEP at first visit; (3) eligible for PrEP initiation, initiated PrEP after the first visit; and (4) eligible for same-day PrEP initiation but declined. The groups that were eligible for same-day PrEP initiation were compared using the Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Of the 1,254 adolescents enrolled in the PrEP1519 study, 61 (4.9%) were considered ineligible for same-day PrEP initiation. Of the 1,193 eligible for same-day PrEP initiation, 1,113 (93.3%) initiated PrEP [1,054 initiated PrEP in the first visit (88.3%) and 59 in subsequent visits (4.9%)] and 80 (6.7%) did not. Despite 90% of the PrEP decliners reporting a low risk of HIV infection, most reported condomless anal sex in the past six months (70%). DISCUSSION: Same-day PrEP initiation among aMSM and aTGW was high, highlighting that this strategy was important to promote PrEP initiation among adolescents with increased vulnerability to HIV in Brazil.

Adherence, Safety, and Feasibility of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Adolescent Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Brazil (PrEP1519 Study).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the adherence, safety, and feasibility of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in real-world settings among adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) and transgender women (ATGW). METHODS: PrEP1519 is a single-arm, multicentric demonstration cohort study of daily oral PrEP among AMSM and ATGW aged 15 to 19 years in Brazil. Study visits occurred at baseline, weeks 4, 12, and then quarterly until 96 weeks. Descriptive statistics and a mixed logistic model for longitudinal data evaluated the factors associated with high adherence. RESULTS: One thousand sixteen AMSM and ATGW accessed the PrEP1519 clinics. Of those, 998 (98.2%) underwent clinical triage. Forty one were diagnosed with human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) at baseline (4.0%) and 79 (7.9%) were not eligible for PrEP. Of the 878, 795 (90.5%) enrolled in PrEP, 82 (10.3%) were lost to follow-up, and 713 were included. There was no significant decrease in creatinine clearance; only two participants had grade-III aspartate aminotransferase elevation. Incident HIV infection occurred in eight participants (incidence rate [IR] = 1.64 per 100 person-years [PY]): two in 15-17 years (IR = 2.24 per 100 PY) and six in 18-20 years (IR = 1.51 per 100 PY). PrEP adherence was higher among those with more years of schooling, those reporting no difficulties in PrEP use due to side effects, and who had low HIV risk perception in the past three months. DISCUSSION: PrEP for AMSM and ATGW was safe and feasible in real-world settings. However, a higher IR among young adolescents and a higher adherence among less vulnerable people indicate the need for greater care, considering the specificities of this age group.

Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Discontinuation in a Large Cohort of Adolescent Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Brazil.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV discontinuation in adolescent men who have sex with men (aMSM) and adolescent transgender women (aTGW) and to identify factors associated with discontinuation. METHODS: The PrEP1519 study included a cohort of aMSM and aTGW aged 15-19 years old, and it was conducted in three large Brazilian capital cities. For this analysis, we included adolescents who initiated PrEP. PrEP discontinuation was defined as no possession of PrEP pills for >90 days. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze the probabilities of discontinuation, and survival distributions stratified by covariates were compared using log-rank or Wilcoxon tests. Cox regression models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: We included 908 adolescents, 829 (91.30%) aMSM and 79 (8.70%) aTGW, most of whom were 18-19 years (80.29%). The incidence rate of discontinuation was 75.6 per 100 person-years. The probability of discontinuation was 52.61% in the first year. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the aTGW (aHR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.02-1.64) and adolescents with a medium (aHR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.02-1.64) or low (aHR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.29-2.12) perceived risk of HIV infection had an increased risk of discontinuation, whereas the adolescents with a partner living with HIV had a lower risk of discontinuation (aHR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.35-0.91). DISCUSSION: Adolescents with a high risk for discontinuation may need additional support that emphasizes the value of PrEP as a tool for HIV prevention because PrEP discontinuation was associated with a disconnect between HIV risk perception and HIV prevention.

Prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections among adolescent men who have sex with men and transgender women in Salvador, Northeast Brazil.

Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) and transgender women (ATGW) enrolled as part of the PrEP1519 study between April 2019 and February 2021 in Salvador were tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections.We performed real-time polymerase chain reaction using oropharyngeal, anal, and urethral swabs; assessed factors associated with NG and CT infections using multivariable Poisson regression analysis with robust variance; and estimated the prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). In total, 246 participants were included in the analyses (median age: 18.8; IQR: 18.2-19.4 years). The overall oropharyngeal, anal, and urethral prevalence rates of NG were 17.9%, 9.4%, 7.6%, and 1.9%, respectively. For CT, the overall, oropharyngeal, anal, and urethral prevalence rates were 5.9%, 1.2%, 2.4%, and 1.9%, respectively. A low level of education, clinical suspicion of STI (and coinfection with Mycoplasma hominis were associated with NG infection. The prevalence of NG and CT, especially extragenital infections, was high in AMSM and ATGW. These findings highlight the need for testing samples from multiple anatomical sites among adolescents at a higher risk of STI acquisition, implementation of school-based strategies, provision of sexual health education, and reduction in barriers to care.

Expansion of testing, isolation, quarantine, e-health and telemonitoring strategies in socioeconomically vulnerable neighbourhoods at primary healthcare in the fight against COVID-19 in Brazil: a study protocol of a multisite testing intervention using a mixed method approach.

INTRODUCTION: The key tools for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and reducing its transmission include testing, quarantine and isolation, as well as telemonitoring. Primary healthcare (PHC) can be essential in increasing access to these tools. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to implement and expand an intervention consisting of COVID-19 testing, isolation, quarantine and telemonitoring (TQT) strategies and other prevention measures at PHC services in highly socioeconomically vulnerable neighbourhoods of Brazil. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study will implement and expand COVID-19 testing in PHC services in two large Brazilian capital cities: Salvador and Rio de Janeiro. Qualitative formative research was conducted to understand the testing context in the communities and at PCH services. The TQT strategy was structured in three subcomponents: (1) training and technical support for tailoring the work processes of health professional teams, (2) recruitment and demand creation strategies and (3) TQT. To evaluate this intervention, we will conduct an epidemiological study with two stages: (1) a cross-sectional sociobehavioural survey among individuals from these two communities covered by PHC services, presenting symptoms associated with COVID-19 or being a close contact of a patient with COVID-19, and (2) a cohort of those who tested positive, collecting clinical data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The WHO Ethics Research Committee (ERC) (#CERC.0128A and #CERC.0128B) and each city's local ERC approved the study protocol (Salvador, ISC/UFBA: #53844121.4.1001.5030; and Rio de Janeiro, INI/Fiocruz: #53844121.4.3001.5240, ENSP/Fiocruz: #53844121.4.3001.5240 and SMS/RJ #53844121.4.3002.5279). Findings will be published in scientific journals and presented at meetings. In addition, informative flyers and online campaigns will be developed to communicate study findings to participants, members of communities and key stakeholders.

Important steps for PrEP uptake among adolescent men who have sex with men and transgender women in Brazil.

HIV Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective prevention tool, but there are still few studies about PrEP uptake among adolescents. We aimed to analyze the PrEP uptake process and factors associated with daily oral PrEP initiation among adolescent men who have sex with men (aMSM) and transgender women (aTGW) in Brazil. Baseline data from the first demonstration PrEP cohort study among aMSM and aTGW 15-19 years old (yo) ongoing in three large Brazilian cities (PrEP1519). After completing informed consent procedures, participants were enrolled in the cohort from February/2019 to February/2021. A socio-behavioral questionnaire was applied. Factors associated with PrEP initiation were assessed using a logistic regression model with adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Among recruited participants, 174 (19,2%) were aged 15-17 yo and 734 (80,8%) 18-19 yo. The rate of PrEP initiation was 78.2% and 77.4% for 15-17 yo and 18-19 yo, respectively. Factors associated with PrEP initiation were: black or mixed race (aPR 2.31; 95%CI: 1.10-4.84) among the younger adolescents 15-17 yo; experienced violence and/or discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity (aPR 1.21; 95%CI: 1.01-1.46); transactional sex (aPR 1.32; 95%CI: 1.04-1.68); and having had between 2 to 5 sexual partners in the previous three months (aPR 1.39; 95%CI: 1.15-1.68) among those 18-19 yo. Unprotected receptive anal intercourse in the previous six months was associated with PrEP initiation in both age groups (aPR 1.98; 95%CI: 1.02-3.85 and aPR 1.45; 95%CI: 1.19-1.76 among 15-17 yo and 18-19 yo, respectively). The biggest challenge to promoting PrEP use for aMSM and aTGW was in the first steps of the PrEP uptake process. Once they were linked to the PrEP clinic, initiation rates were high.

Prevalence of Mollicutes among men who have sex with men and transgender women aged 15 to 19 years in Salvador, North-eastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Some species of Mollicutes have been associated with different pathologies of the urogenital tract in humans, with a high prevalence among adult men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). However, few studies have been performed to investigate its prevalence among adolescents. In this study, we estimated the initial prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), and Ureaplasma parvum (UP); the rate of misdiagnosis at different anatomical sites; and the associated factors with positive tests for Mollicutes among MSM and TGW aged 15 to 19 years enrolled in the PrEP1519 study. METHODS: PrEP-1519 is the first study to investigate the effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus among adolescent MSM and TGW aged 15 to 19 in Latin America. Oral, anal, and urethral swabs were taken from 246 adolescents upon enrolment in the study to detect MG, MH, UU, and UP by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted by Poisson regression and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated. RESULTS: The prevalence of Mollicutes was 32.1%. UU was the most prevalent species (20.7%), followed by MH (13.4%), MG (5.7%), and UP (3.2%); 67.3% of the positive samples would have been missed if only urethral samples had been taken. Receptive anal sex (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.07-3.01) and clinical suspicion of sexually transmitted infection (PR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.01-2.61) were factors associated with the detection of Mollicutes in general. Group sex (PR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.12-3.50) and receptive anal sex (PR = 2.36; 95% CI = 0.95-5.86) were associated with the detection of Mycoplasma spp. No sociodemographic, clinical, or behavioural variable was significantly associated with the detection of Ureaplasma spp. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of Mollicutes was observed among adolescent MSM and TGW, especially at extragenital sites. Further research is required to understand the epidemiological profile of high-risk adolescents in different regions and contexts, and to investigate the pathogenesis of Mollicutes in the oral and anal mucosa before routine screening can be recommended in clinical practice.

Factors associated to HIV prevalence among adolescent men who have sex with men in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil: baseline data from the PrEP1519 cohort.

Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) are at a heightened vulnerability for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HIV and associated individual, social, and programmatic factors among AMSM in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study which analyzed baseline data from the PrEP1519 cohort in Salvador. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted using the dimensions of vulnerability to HIV as hierarchical levels of analysis. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) of the association between predictor variables and HIV infection. The prevalence of HIV infection among the 288 AMSM recruited to the project was 5.9% (95%CI: 3.7-9.3). Adjusted analysis showed a statistically significant association between self-identifying as a sex worker (OR = 3.74, 95%CI: 1.03-13.60) and HIV infection. Other associations with borderline statistical significance were the use of application programs to find sexual partners (OR = 3.30, 95%CI: 0.98-11.04), low schooling level (OR = 3.59, 95%CI: 0.96-13.41), failing to be hired or being dismissed from a job because of sexual orientation (OR = 2.88, 95%CI: 0.89-9.28), and not using health services as a usual source of care (OR = 3.14, 95%CI: 0.97-10.17). We found a high HIV prevalence among AMSM in Salvador. Furthermore, our study found that individual, social, and programmatic factors were associated with HIV infection among these AMSM. We recommend intensifying HIV combined-prevention activities for AMSM.

Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and factors associated with infection among adolescent men who have sex with men and transgender women in Salvador, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Brazil was strongly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the pandemic on sexual and gender minorities' youth remains unknown. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and associated factors among adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) and transgender women (ATGW) participants of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis cohort study (PrEP1519). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional design conducted between June and October 2020 in Salvador, Brazil. Serum samples were collected from AMSM and ATGW aged 16-21 years between June-October 2020. IgG and IgM anti-SARS-CoV-2 were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay, and data were collected through a socio-behavioral questionnaire. RESULTS: Among the 137 participants, the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM was 20.4%; 16.8% of the participants were positive for IgG, and 11.7% for IgM. In the multivariable analysis, the seroprevalence was two times higher among those who never wore masks (OR= 2.22; 95% CI: 1.08-4.57) and among those who believed that they could be easily cured of the disease (OR= 2.05; 95% CI: 1.05-4.01). CONCLUSIONS: The high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among gender and sexual minority youth seems to be informed by behaviors and attitudes that contrast with public health measures and the potential severity of the disease when vaccination was still not available.

Reaching Out to Adolescents at High Risk of HIV Infection in Brazil: Demand Creation Strategies for PrEP and Other HIV Combination Prevention Methods.

Using baseline data from the PrEP1519 cohort, in this article we aimed to analyze: (i) the effectiveness of demand creation strategies (DCS) to enroll adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) and adolescent transgender women (ATGW) into an HIV combination prevention study in Brazil; (ii) the predictors of DCS for adolescents' enrollment; and (iii) the factors associated with DCS by comparing online and face-to-face strategies for enrollment. The DCS included peer recruitment (i.e., online and face-to-face) and referrals from health services and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). AMSM and ATGW who agreed to participate in the study could opt to enroll in either PrEP (PrEP arm) or to use other prevention methods (non-PrEP arm). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted and logistic regression odds ratios were estimated. The DCS reached 4529 AMSM and ATGW, the majority of which were derived online (73.8%). Of this total, 935 (20.6%) enrolled to participate (76.6% in PrEP arm and 23.4% in non-PrEP arm). The effectiveness of enrolling adolescents into both arms was greater via direct referrals (235/382 and 84/382, respectively) and face-to-face peer recruitment (139/670 and 35/670, respectively) than online (328/3342). We found that a combination under DCS was required for successful enrollment in PrEP, with online strategies majorly tending to enroll adolescents of a higher socioeconomic status. Our findings reinforce the need for DCS that actively reaches out to all adolescents at the greatest risk for HIV infection, irrespective of their socioeconomic status.

Perceived Risk of HIV Infection and Acceptability of PrEP among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Brazil.

The HIV epidemic affects men who have sex with men (MSM) disproportionally in Brazil, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective for preventing HIV in this population. However, low perceived risk of HIV may influence the acceptability and decision to use PrEP. This study estimated the association between self-perception of HIV risk and acceptability of daily oral PrEP among Brazilian MSM. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used for behavioral and biological surveillance to recruit 4,176 MSM 18 years or over in 12 Brazilian cities in 2016. Results were weighted using Gile's estimator in RDS Analyst software. Adjusted odds rations (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using multivariate logistic regression. Acceptability of daily oral PrEP was high (69.7%) among the 3,544 MSM available for analysis. Most participants self-reported low or moderate risk of HIV infection (67.2%) and a small proportion (9.3%) reported high risk. A dose-response relationship was observed between acceptability of PrEP and self-reported risk: PrEP acceptability was 1.88 times higher (OR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.24-2.85) among MSM whose perceived risk of HIV infection was low or moderate, and 5 times higher (OR 5.68; 95% CI: 2.54-12.73) among those who self-reported high risk compared to MSM reporting no HIV risk. MSM with the highest risk perception of HIV reported higher rates of PrEP acceptability. Given the availability of daily oral PrEP in the public health care system in Brazil, we suggest emphasizing counseling about self-perception of HIV risk as part of routine HIV prevention services.

Factors associated to HIV prevalence among adolescent men who have sex with men in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil: baseline data from the PrEP1519 cohort / Fatores associados à prevalência do HIV entre homens adolescentes que fazem sexo com homens em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil: dados da linha de base da coorte PrEP1519 / Factores asociados a la prevalencia de VIH entre hombres adolescentes que tienen sexo con hombres en Salvador, Bahia, Brasil: datos de referencia de la cohorte PrEP1519

Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) are at a heightened vulnerability for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HIV and associated individual, social, and programmatic factors among AMSM in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study which analyzed baseline data from the PrEP1519 cohort in Salvador. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted using the dimensions of vulnerability to HIV as hierarchical levels of analysis. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) of the association between predictor variables and HIV infection. The prevalence of HIV infection among the 288 AMSM recruited to the project was 5.9% (95%CI: 3.7-9.3). Adjusted analysis showed a statistically significant association between self-identifying as a sex worker (OR = 3.74, 95%CI: 1.03-13.60) and HIV infection. Other associations with borderline statistical significance were the use of application programs to find sexual partners (OR = 3.30, 95%CI: 0.98-11.04), low schooling level (OR = 3.59, 95%CI: 0.96-13.41), failing to be hired or being dismissed from a job because of sexual orientation (OR = 2.88, 95%CI: 0.89-9.28), and not using health services as a usual source of care (OR = 3.14, 95%CI: 0.97-10.17). We found a high HIV prevalence among AMSM in Salvador. Furthermore, our study found that individual, social, and programmatic factors were associated with HIV infection among these AMSM. We recommend intensifying HIV combined-prevention activities for AMSM.

Homens adolescentes que fazem sexo com homens (AHSH) apresentam vulnerabilidade aumentada ao HIV. O estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência de HIV e fatores individuais, sociais e programáticos entre AHSH em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. O estudo transversal foi baseado na análise dos dados da linha de base da coorte PrEP1519 em Salvador. Foram realizadas análises descritivas, bivariadas e multivariadas, usando as dimensões de vulnerabilidade ao HIV como níveis analíticos hierárquicos. Foram usados modelos de regressão logística para estimar as razões de chances (OR) da associação entre as variáveis preditoras e a infecção pelo HIV. A prevalência de infecção pelo HIV entre os 288 AHSH recrutados pelo projeto foi de 5,9% (IC95%: 3,7-9,3). A análise ajustada mostrou uma associação estatisticamente significativa entre a autoidentificação como profissional do sexo (OR = 3,74, IC95%: 1,03-13,60) e a infecção pelo HIV. Outras associações com significância estatística limítrofe foram: uso de aplicativos para achar parceiros sexuais (OR = 3,30, IC95%: 0,98-11,04), menor escolaridade (OR = 3,59, IC95%: 0,96-13,41), história de não ter sido contratado ou de ter sido demitido em função da orientação sexual (OR = 2,88, IC95%: 0,89-9,28) e falta de uso de serviços de saúde como fonte usual de cuidados (OR = 3,14, IC95%: 0,97-10,17). Foi encontrada uma alta prevalência de HIV entre AHSH em Salvador. Além disso, o estudo mostrou que fatores encontrados nas dimensões individual, social e programática estiveram associados à infecção pelo HIV entre esses AHSH. Recomendamos a intensificação das atividades de prevenção combinada entre AHSH.

Los hombres adolescentes que tienen sexo con hombres (AHSH) sufren más vulnerabilidad ante el VIH. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de VIH y los factores asociados individuales, sociales, y programáticos asociados entre AHSH en Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Se trata de un estudio transversal, basado en el análisis de los datos de referencia de la cohorte PrEP1519 en Salvador. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, bivariados, y multivariados usando las dimensiones de vulnerabilidad respecto al VIH, como los niveles jerárquicos de análisis. Los modelos de regresión logística se usaron para estimar las odds ratios (OR) de la asociación entre las variables predictoras y la infección por VIH. La prevalencia de infección por VIH entre los 288 AHSH reclutados para el proyecto fue 5,9% (IC95%: 3,7-9,3). El análisis ajustado reveló una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre autoidentificarse como un trabajador sexual (OR = 3,74, IC95%: 1,03-13,60) y la infección por VIH. Otras asociaciones con una significación estadística marginal fueron: uso de apps para encontrar pareja sexual (OR = 3,30, IC95%: 0,98-11,04), menos años de educación (OR = 3,59, IC95%: 0,96-13,41), no estar contratado o ser despedido de un trabajo debido a la orientación sexual (OR = 2,88, IC95%: 0,89-9,28), y no usar los servicios de salud como recurso habitual de atención sanitaria (OR = 3,14, IC95%: 0,97-10,17). Se identificó una alta prevalencia de VIH entre AHSH en Salvador. Asimismo, nuestro estudio halló que los factores desde una perspectiva individual, dimensión social, y dimensión programática estuvieron asociados con una infección por VIH entre AHSH. Recomendamos que se intensifiquen las actividades combinadas de prevención contra el VIH para AHSH.

Factors associated to HIV prevalence among adolescent men who have sex with men in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil: baseline data from the PrEP1519 cohort / Fatores associados à prevalência do HIV entre homens adolescentes que fazem sexo com homens em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil: dados da linha de base da coorte PrEP1519 / Factores asociados a la prevalencia de VIH entre hombres adolescentes que tienen sexo con hombres en Salvador, Bahia, Brasil: datos de referencia de la cohorte PrEP1519

Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) are at a heightened vulnerability for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HIV and associated individual, social, and programmatic factors among AMSM in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study which analyzed baseline data from the PrEP1519 cohort in Salvador. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted using the dimensions of vulnerability to HIV as hierarchical levels of analysis. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) of the association between predictor variables and HIV infection. The prevalence of HIV infection among the 288 AMSM recruited to the project was 5.9% (95%CI: 3.7-9.3). Adjusted analysis showed a statistically significant association between self-identifying as a sex worker (OR = 3.74, 95%CI: 1.03-13.60) and HIV infection. Other associations with borderline statistical significance were the use of application programs to find sexual partners (OR = 3.30, 95%CI: 0.98-11.04), low schooling level (OR = 3.59, 95%CI: 0.96-13.41), failing to be hired or being dismissed from a job because of sexual orientation (OR = 2.88, 95%CI: 0.89-9.28), and not using health services as a usual source of care (OR = 3.14, 95%CI: 0.97-10.17). We found a high HIV prevalence among AMSM in Salvador. Furthermore, our study found that individual, social, and programmatic factors were associated with HIV infection among these AMSM. We recommend intensifying HIV combined-prevention activities for AMSM.

Homens adolescentes que fazem sexo com homens (AHSH) apresentam vulnerabilidade aumentada ao HIV. O estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência de HIV e fatores individuais, sociais e programáticos entre AHSH em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. O estudo transversal foi baseado na análise dos dados da linha de base da coorte PrEP1519 em Salvador. Foram realizadas análises descritivas, bivariadas e multivariadas, usando as dimensões de vulnerabilidade ao HIV como níveis analíticos hierárquicos. Foram usados modelos de regressão logística para estimar as razões de chances (OR) da associação entre as variáveis preditoras e a infecção pelo HIV. A prevalência de infecção pelo HIV entre os 288 AHSH recrutados pelo projeto foi de 5,9% (IC95%: 3,7-9,3). A análise ajustada mostrou uma associação estatisticamente significativa entre a autoidentificação como profissional do sexo (OR = 3,74, IC95%: 1,03-13,60) e a infecção pelo HIV. Outras associações com significância estatística limítrofe foram: uso de aplicativos para achar parceiros sexuais (OR = 3,30, IC95%: 0,98-11,04), menor escolaridade (OR = 3,59, IC95%: 0,96-13,41), história de não ter sido contratado ou de ter sido demitido em função da orientação sexual (OR = 2,88, IC95%: 0,89-9,28) e falta de uso de serviços de saúde como fonte usual de cuidados (OR = 3,14, IC95%: 0,97-10,17). Foi encontrada uma alta prevalência de HIV entre AHSH em Salvador. Além disso, o estudo mostrou que fatores encontrados nas dimensões individual, social e programática estiveram associados à infecção pelo HIV entre esses AHSH. Recomendamos a intensificação das atividades de prevenção combinada entre AHSH.

Los hombres adolescentes que tienen sexo con hombres (AHSH) sufren más vulnerabilidad ante el VIH. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de VIH y los factores asociados individuales, sociales, y programáticos asociados entre AHSH en Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Se trata de un estudio transversal, basado en el análisis de los datos de referencia de la cohorte PrEP1519 en Salvador. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, bivariados, y multivariados usando las dimensiones de vulnerabilidad respecto al VIH, como los niveles jerárquicos de análisis. Los modelos de regresión logística se usaron para estimar las odds ratios (OR) de la asociación entre las variables predictoras y la infección por VIH. La prevalencia de infección por VIH entre los 288 AHSH reclutados para el proyecto fue 5,9% (IC95%: 3,7-9,3). El análisis ajustado reveló una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre autoidentificarse como un trabajador sexual (OR = 3,74, IC95%: 1,03-13,60) y la infección por VIH. Otras asociaciones con una significación estadística marginal fueron: uso de apps para encontrar pareja sexual (OR = 3,30, IC95%: 0,98-11,04), menos años de educación (OR = 3,59, IC95%: 0,96-13,41), no estar contratado o ser despedido de un trabajo debido a la orientación sexual (OR = 2,88, IC95%: 0,89-9,28), y no usar los servicios de salud como recurso habitual de atención sanitaria (OR = 3,14, IC95%: 0,97-10,17). Se identificó una alta prevalencia de VIH entre AHSH en Salvador. Asimismo, nuestro estudio halló que los factores desde una perspectiva individual, dimensión social, y dimensión programática estuvieron asociados con una infección por VIH entre AHSH. Recomendamos que se intensifiquen las actividades combinadas de prevención contra el VIH para AHSH.

HIV prevalence among transgender women in Northeast Brazil - Findings from two Respondent Driven Sampling studies.

BACKGROUND: The HIV epidemic still high among key-populations in Brazil, especially among transgender women (TGW). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HIV infection among TGW and to analyze factors associated with HIV seropositivity across two cross-sectional surveys conducted in Salvador, Bahia, one of the largest urban centers of Brazil. METHODS: The studies were conducted between 2014 and 2016 and 2016-2017 and employed Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) sampling, comprising 127 and 161 TGW residents of Salvador, Bahia. The outcome was the positive rapid antigen testing for HIV infection. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were obtained using binomial logistic regression. RESULTS: The HIV prevalence was 9.0% (95%CI: 4.2-18.2) and 24.3% (95%CI: 16.2-34.9). In the first study, factors associated with HIV prevalence were experiencing discrimination by the family (OR 8.22; 95%CI: 1.49-45.48) and by neighbors (OR 6.55; 95%CI: 1.12-38.14) as well as having syphilis (OR 6.56; 95%CI:1.11-38.65); in the subsequent study gender-based discrimination (OR 8.65; 95%CI:1.45-51.59) and having syphilis (OR 3.13; 95%CI: 1.45-51.59) were associated with testing positive for HIV. CONCLUSION: We found disproportionately high HIV prevalence among TGW, which underscores the context of vulnerability for this population. The data point to the urgency for intensification and expansion of access to HIV prevention and strategies to stop discrimination in health care and services for this population.

Use of unprescribed hormones in the body modification of travestis and transsexual women in Salvador/Bahia, Brazil. / Uso de hormônios não prescritos na modificação corporal de travestis e mulheres transexuais de Salvador/Bahia, Brasil.

This article aims to analyze the use of non-prescribed hormones among travestis and transgender women (TrTGW) in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. This cross-sectional study used the Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) methodology to recruit TrTGW from 2014 to 2016 in Salvador and the Metropolitan Region. A comparative analysis was carried out between sociodemographic, behavioral, and gender declaration conditions using hormones. The RDS-II estimator weighted the data. Stata version 14 was used for statistical analyses. One hundred twenty-seven TrTGW were recruited. From the studied sample, 69.1% of participants used non-prescribed hormones, which was associated with industrial liquid silicone use and body satisfaction. The TrTGW who were comfortable with the penis and felt pleasure with the penis used hormone less. The seropositive participants reported a higher proportion of hormone use. The non-prescribed use of hormones was used by most TrTGW. This use is likely associated with better satisfaction with self-image and body among TrTGW. Elevated and exacerbated use of these hormones was identified, probably due to the rare access to public health services.

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o uso de hormônios não prescritos entre travestis e mulheres transexuais (TrMT) na cidade de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal onde se utilizou a metodologia RDS (respondent driven sampling) para recrutar TrMT entre 2014 e 2016, em Salvador e sua Região Metropolitana. Foi realizada uma análise comparativa entre condições sociodemográficas, comportamentais e de afirmação de gênero com o uso de hormônios. Os dados ponderados pelo estimador RDS-II. Utilizou-se o programa Stata, versão 14, para análises estatísticas. Foram recrutadas 127 TrMT. Da amostra estudada, 69,1% das participantes fizeram uso de hormônios não prescritos, o que esteve associado ao uso de silicone líquido industrial e ao relato de satisfação corporal. As TrMT que estavam confortáveis com o pênis e que sentiam prazer com o mesmo apresentaram menor probabilidade de uso de hormônio. As participantes soropositivas para HIV reportaram maior proporção de uso de hormônio. O uso não prescrito de hormônios foi utilizado pela maioria das TrMT. É provável que esse uso esteja associado a uma melhor satisfação com a autoimagem e com o corpo entre as TrMT. Verificou-se o uso em elevadas quantidades desses medicamentos e de maneira exacerbada, provavelmente devido ao pouco acesso aos serviços de saúde pública.

Uso de hormônios não prescritos na modificação corporal de travestis e mulheres transexuais de Salvador/Bahia, Brasil / Use of unprescribed hormones in the body modification of travestis and transsexual women in Salvador/Bahia, Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o uso de hormônios não prescritos entre travestis e mulheres transexuais (TrMT) na cidade de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal onde se utilizou a metodologia RDS (respondent driven sampling) para recrutar TrMT entre 2014 e 2016, em Salvador e sua Região Metropolitana. Foi realizada uma análise comparativa entre condições sociodemográficas, comportamentais e de afirmação de gênero com o uso de hormônios. Os dados ponderados pelo estimador RDS-II. Utilizou-se o programa Stata, versão 14, para análises estatísticas. Foram recrutadas 127 TrMT. Da amostra estudada, 69,1% das participantes fizeram uso de hormônios não prescritos, o que esteve associado ao uso de silicone líquido industrial e ao relato de satisfação corporal. As TrMT que estavam confortáveis com o pênis e que sentiam prazer com o mesmo apresentaram menor probabilidade de uso de hormônio. As participantes soropositivas para HIV reportaram maior proporção de uso de hormônio. O uso não prescrito de hormônios foi utilizado pela maioria das TrMT. É provável que esse uso esteja associado a uma melhor satisfação com a autoimagem e com o corpo entre as TrMT. Verificou-se o uso em elevadas quantidades desses medicamentos e de maneira exacerbada, provavelmente devido ao pouco acesso aos serviços de saúde pública.

Abstract This article aims to analyze the use of non-prescribed hormones among travestis and transgender women (TrTGW) in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. This cross-sectional study used the Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) methodology to recruit TrTGW from 2014 to 2016 in Salvador and the Metropolitan Region. A comparative analysis was carried out between sociodemographic, behavioral, and gender declaration conditions using hormones. The RDS-II estimator weighted the data. Stata version 14 was used for statistical analyses. One hundred twenty-seven TrTGW were recruited. From the studied sample, 69.1% of participants used non-prescribed hormones, which was associated with industrial liquid silicone use and body satisfaction. The TrTGW who were comfortable with the penis and felt pleasure with the penis used hormone less. The seropositive participants reported a higher proportion of hormone use. The non-prescribed use of hormones was used by most TrTGW. This use is likely associated with better satisfaction with self-image and body among TrTGW. Elevated and exacerbated use of these hormones was identified, probably due to the rare access to public health services.

Factors Associated with PrEP Refusal Among Transgender Women in Northeastern Brazil.

Brazil has recently integrated HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) into its public health system and offered to key populations such as transgender women (TGW). This study investigates factors associated with PrEP refusal among TGW living in one of the largest and poorest cities of Brazil. We recruited 127 TGW using Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) in Salvador, Brazil. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to define acceptability of PrEP. Two latent classes were identified: "high acceptability of PrEP" (91.3%) and "PrEP refusal" (8.7%). PrEP was less acceptable among white TGW and among those age 25 or older, with income above minimum wage (≥ US$252.87), and reporting unprotected receptive anal intercourse with (URAI) causal partners. The findings highlight how nuanced strategies that takes into consideration unique characteristics are needed to effectively address the acceptability of PrEP.

Knowledge and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in Northeastern Brazil.

Few studies evaluate knowledge and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in middle-income countries. Brazil added PrEP to public drug formularies in December 2017, but little is known about local knowledge and attitudes about PrEP among MSM outside metropolitan areas in Southern Brazil. The cross-sectional HIV Surveillance Survey Project in Brazil estimates HIV and STD prevalence among MSM in 12 state capitals. Among 32 participants at the Salvador, Bahia study site, we used qualitative interviews to assess knowledge, willingness, and barriers to PrEP use among MSM; few MSM had previous knowledge of PrEP and were willing to use PrEP. Clinical, behavioural, social, and structural factors influencing participants' knowledge and willingness to take PrEP included concerns about efficacy and side effects, access to culturally congruent services for MSM, and stigma. Some participants reported that learning about PrEP online positively influenced their willingness to use PrEP. Participants' opinions about PrEP's contribution to risk compensation varied. Interventions to provide culturally congruent care and destigmatise PrEP for MSM at high risk for HIV acquisition, particularly those conducted collaboratively with Brazil's civil society movement, may enhance the public health effort to expand access to PrEP in Brazil.