Factors associated with loss to follow up among HIV-exposed children: a historical cohort study from 2000 to 2017, in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: There are many inequalities in terms of prevention and treatment for pregnant women with HIV and exposed children in low and middle-income countries. The Brazilian protocol for prenatal care includes rapid diagnostic testing for HIV, compulsory notification, and monitoring by the epidemiological surveillance of children exposed to HIV until 18 months after delivery. The case is closed after HIV serology results are obtained. Lost to follow-up is defined as a child who was not located at the end of the case, and, therefore, did not have a laboratory diagnosis. Lost to follow-up is a current problem and has been documented in other countries. This study analyzed factors associated with loss to follow-up among HIV-exposed children, including sociodemographic, behavioral, and health variables of mothers of children lost to follow-up. METHODS: This historical cohort study included information on mothers of children exposed to HIV, born in Porto Alegre, from 2000 to 2017. The research outcome was the classification at the end of the child's follow-up (lost to follow-up or not). Factors associated with loss to follow-up were investigated using the Poisson regression model. Relative Risk calculations were performed. The significance level of 5% was adopted for variables in the adjusted model. RESULTS: Of 6,836 children exposed to HIV, 1,763 (25.8%) were classified as lost to follow-up. The factors associated were: maternal age of up to 22 years (aRR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.09-1.43), the mother's self-declared race/color being black or mixed (aRR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.25), up to three years of schooling (aRR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.26-1.67), between four and seven years of schooling (aRR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02-1.28), intravenous drug use (aRR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.12-1.50), and HIV diagnosis during prenatal care or at delivery (aRR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.24-1.52). CONCLUSION: Variables related to individual vulnerability, such as race, age, schooling, and variables related to social and programmatic vulnerability, remain central to reducing loss to follow-up among HIV-exposed children.

Factors Associated with HIV and Vulnerability Contexts for Women in Brazil.

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with HIV and vulnerability contexts for women in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The participants were 1326 women recruited by complex sampling design, divided into two groups: 640 women with HIV (WLH) and 686 women who did not have HIV (WNLH). Gross and weighted statistical analyses were performed. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for 12 variables. The main results demonstrated that WLH had lower income (p < .001) and poorer education (p = .038), and few used condoms during their first sexual intercourse (p < .001). The occurrence of HIV was higher among the black population (p < .001). Sex in exchange for money (p < .001) and sexually transmitted infections (p < .001) were more frequent among WLH than among WNLH. The age of sexual debut and age difference from the partner at first sexual intercourse (FSI) were not associated with the outcome. The high percentage of non-use of condoms during the FSI shows how vulnerable individuals are right at the beginning of their sexual lives. More effective prevention strategies can be developed by nurses in view of the contexts of vulnerability surrounding women.

Profile and experiences during the incarceration of transgender women and travestis (TGW) in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to describe the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of a group of transgender women and travestis (TGW) with a history of incarceration and the institutional and social context of this experience in Brazil. METHODS: The analyzed data were derived from the TransOdara Study, a cross-sectional study conducted in five Brazilian capitals from December 2019 to July 2021. Participants were recruited using the Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) technique, in which, after an initial formative and exploratory stage, the first participants were identified; in turn, these participants recruited up to six other transgender women and travestis for the research. The study's outcome was the experience of incarceration throughout life, captured through the question: "Have you ever been arrested in your life?" RESULTS: A total of 1,245 TGW were interviewed, of which 20.3% (n=253) experienced incarceration. Incarceration was more frequent among those aged 33 to 42 years (35.6%), with lower level of education (45.5%, p<0.001), engaged in informal work (30.3%), without a partner (67.2%), and among those who reported illicit drug use (66.4%). The majority (60.9%) of TGW were incarcerated with cisgender men, and the most common reasons for imprisonment were drug trafficking (30.4%) followed by robbery (29.2%). Over a quarter of the interviewees (26.3%) experienced assault, and 13.8% reported experiencing sexual violence during incarceration. CONCLUSION: The results emphasize the high prevalence of incarceration among TGW. This incarceration takes place in male wards and in a context of high rates of physical and sexual violence.

Lifetime sexual violence among transgender women and travestis (TGW) in Brazil: Prevalence and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence, characteristics, and factors associated with sexual violence in transgender women and travestis (TGW) in Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in five Brazilian cities (Campo Grande, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Salvador, and São Paulo) between 2019 and 2021. Participants were recruited using the respondent-driven sampling (RDS) technique. The outcome of interest is the self-reported experience of sexual violence throughout the respondents' lifetime. We evaluated the actions taken by victims of sexual violence and how they dealt with the experience. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the associations between sociodemographic and behavioral factors (such as race, income, drug use, sex work, and access to healthcare) and the outcome. RESULTS: A total of 1,317 TGW were interviewed. Among them, 53% (n=698) reported experiencing sexual violence. For 64.4% (n=419) of the respondents, sexual violence occurred on more than one occasion. The majority of TGW did not seek health services (93.2%, n=648), disclose the violence (93.9%, n=653), nor seek support from family or friends (86.5%, n=601). A higher prevalence of sexual violence was associated with homelessness (adjusted prevalence ratio - aPR=1.69, 95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.01-2.84), a history of engaging in sex work (aPR=2.04, 95%CI 1.46-2.85), self-reporting regular, bad, or very bad emotional health (aPR=1.67, 95%CI 1.28-2.19), and experiencing difficulties accessing health services in the previous year (aPR=2.78, 95%CI 1.74-4.43). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of sexual violence, analyzed together with the actions of the victims, indicates a context of high vulnerability and low institutional support. In this scenario, violence can be exacerbated, resulting in severe health consequences.

Inconsistent condom use with casual partners among men who have sex with men in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with inconsistent condom use with casual partners in a population of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil. METHODS: In 2016, 4,176 MSM >18 years were enrolled in 12 capitals of Brazil using a Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) method. For the construction of the outcome, we evaluated questions about condom use in all anal intercourse (receptive and insertive) in the previous six months and the last sexual intercourse. Estimates were calculated using a weighted complex sample design. We performed a logistic regression analysis to determine the associations between sociodemographic and behavioral factors and inconsistent condom use in sexual relationships with casual male partners. RESULTS: More than half of our sample (50.8%) had not used condoms consistently with casual partners in the previous six months. Inconsistent condom use was significantly associated with: low education (weighted odds ratio - wOR: 1.55; 95% confidence interval - CI 0.99-2.40), lack of counseling on sexually transmitted infections STI (wOR: 1.51; 95%CI 1.05-2.17), non-use of condoms at sexual debut (wOR: 3.05; 95%CI 2.12-4.40) and moderate and high perceived risk for HIV (wOR: 1.51; 95%CI 1.07-2.14). Higher age was negatively associated with inconsistent condom use (wOR=0.97, 95%CI 0.89-0.99). CONCLUSION: Despite being an individual behavior, condom use is related to factors beyond the individual scope. HIV/Aids prevention policies should focus on younger MSM, providing qualified information about condom use, preferably before the beginning of their sexual life.

Survival and predictors of death in tuberculosis/HIV coinfection cases in Porto Alegre, Brazil: A historical cohort from 2009 to 2013.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a curable disease, which remains the leading cause of death among infectious diseases worldwide, and it is the leading cause of death in people living with HIV. The purpose is to examine survival and predictors of death in Tuberculosis/HIV coinfection cases from 2009 to 2013. METHODS: We estimated the survival of 2,417 TB/HIV coinfection cases in Porto Alegre, from diagnosis up to 85 months of follow-up. We estimated hazard ratios and survival curves. RESULTS: The adjusted risk ratio (aRR) for death, by age, hospitalization, and Directly Observed Treatment was 4.58 for new cases (95% CI: 1.14-18.4), 4.51 for recurrence (95% CI: 1.11-18.4) and 4.53 for return after abandonment (95% CI: 1.12-18.4). The average survival time was 72.56 ± 1.57 months for those who underwent Directly Observed Treatment and 62.61 ± 0.77 for those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Case classification, age, and hospitalization are predictors of death. The occurrence of Directly Observed Treatment was a protective factor that increased the probability of survival. Policies aimed at reducing the mortality of patients with TB/HIV coinfection are needed.

[HIV/AIDS diagnosis in heterosexual men: still a surprise after more than 30 years of the epidemic]. / O diagnóstico do HIV/aids em homens heterossexuais: a surpresa permanece mesmo após mais de 30 anos de epidemia.

Men are the main group affected by HIV infection in Brazil, with an upward trend in the last 10 years. According to official data, heterosexual men represent 49% of cases, followed by homosexuals with 38% and bisexuals with 9.1%. Heterosexual men have been subsumed in the category "overall population" and have failed to receive specific attention in preventive policies or activities. The article proposes to analyze the circumstances and strategies by which heterosexual men learn of their HIV diagnosis. The study thus seeks to understand the paths and social actors involved in their HIV/AIDS diagnosis. The data are from a qualitative study interviewing 36 men living with HIV/AIDS that did not self-identify as homosexuals and/or bisexuals. The men were contacted in three specialized AIDS services in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The results indicate that men consider themselves immune to HIV, and that the diagnosis is an unexpected event. Women (affective-sexual partners and/or former partners) are fundamental components in the men's diagnosis, since they reveal the presence of HIV through either prenatal care or their own illness. An important share of these men discover that they are HIV-positive through some illness such as tuberculosis or after several visits to health services. Spontaneous search for HIV testing only occurs through situations and signs associated with possible infection. Heterosexual men have few opportunities for HIV diagnosis, and beyond gender issues, they are subject to programmatic vulnerability.

Os homens são o principal grupo afetado pela infecção do HIV no Brasil, com tendência de crescimento nos últimos dez anos. Nos dados oficiais, os homens heterossexuais representam 49% dos casos, os homossexuais 38% e os bissexuais 9,1%. Os homens heterossexuais ficaram subsumidos na categoria de "população geral", não recebendo destaque em políticas ou ações de prevenção. O presente artigo se propõe a analisar as circunstâncias e estratégias por meio das quais os homens heterossexuais descobrem o diagnóstico do HIV. Busca-se, assim, compreender os caminhos percorridos, bem como os atores sociais envolvidos no diagnóstico de HIV/aids. Os dados analisados resultam de uma pesquisa qualitativa na qual foram entrevistados 36 homens vivendo com HIV/aids que não se identificam como homossexuais e/ou bissexuais. Esses homens foram contatados em três serviços especializados em aids de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os resultados indicam que eles se consideram imunes ao HIV, sendo o diagnóstico um evento inesperado. As mulheres (parceiras afetivo-sexuais e/ou ex-parceiras) são peças fundamentais para o diagnóstico masculino, pois revelam, seja pelo pré-natal, seja pelo adoecimento, a presença do HIV. Uma parcela importante dos homens se descobre soropositivo por ocasião de alguma doença, como a tuberculose, ou após várias idas e vindas dos serviços de saúde. A busca pela testagem de forma espontânea só acontece mediante a identificação de situações e sinais associados a uma possível contaminação. Os homens heterossexuais possuem poucas oportunidades de diagnóstico do HIV e, para além do gênero, são sujeitos à vulnerabilidade programática.

Los hombres son el principal grupo afectado por la infección del VIH en Brasil, con una tendencia de crecimiento en los últimos 10 años. En los datos oficiales, los hombres heterosexuales representan un 49% de los casos, los homosexuales un 38% y los bisexuales un 9,1%. Los hombres heterosexuales quedaron encajados en la categoría de "población general", no siendo relevantes en políticas o acciones de prevención. Este artículo se propone analizar las circunstancias y estrategias a través de las cuales los hombres heterosexuales descubren el diagnóstico del VIH. Se busca, de esta forma, comprender los caminos recorridos, así como los actores sociales implicados en el diagnóstico del VIH/SIDA. Los datos analizados son resultado de una investigación cualitativa en la que se entrevistaron a 36 hombres, viviendo con VIH/SIDA, que no se identifican como homosexuales y/o bisexuales. Se contactó con estos hombres a través de tres servicios especializados en sida de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Los resultados indican que los hombres se consideran inmunes al VIH, siendo el diagnóstico un evento inesperado. Las mujeres (parejas afectivo-sexuales y/o ex-parejas) son piezas fundamentales para el diagnóstico masculino, puesto que revelan, sea a través del cuidado prenatal, sea a través de la enfermedad, la presencia del VIH. Una parte importante de los hombres se descubre seropositiva, debido a alguna enfermedad, como la tuberculosis, o tras varias idas y venidas a los servicios de salud. La búsqueda de un test espontáneo solamente se produce mediante la identificación de situaciones y señales asociadas a una posible infección. Los hombres heterosexuales poseen pocas oportunidades de diagnóstico del VIH y, más allá del género, están sujetos a vulnerabilidad programática.

Lifetime sexual violence among transgender women and travestis (TGW) in Brazil: Prevalence and associated factors / Violência sexual durante a vida em mulheres trans e travestis (MTT) no Brasil: Prevalência e fatores associados

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the prevalence, characteristics, and factors associated with sexual violence in transgender women and travestis (TGW) in Brazil. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in five Brazilian cities (Campo Grande, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Salvador, and São Paulo) between 2019 and 2021. Participants were recruited using the respondent-driven sampling (RDS) technique. The outcome of interest is the self-reported experience of sexual violence throughout the respondents' lifetime. We evaluated the actions taken by victims of sexual violence and how they dealt with the experience. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the associations between sociodemographic and behavioral factors (such as race, income, drug use, sex work, and access to healthcare) and the outcome. Results A total of 1,317 TGW were interviewed. Among them, 53% (n=698) reported experiencing sexual violence. For 64.4% (n=419) of the respondents, sexual violence occurred on more than one occasion. The majority of TGW did not seek health services (93.2%, n=648), disclose the violence (93.9%, n=653), nor seek support from family or friends (86.5%, n=601). A higher prevalence of sexual violence was associated with homelessness (adjusted prevalence ratio — aPR=1.69, 95% confidence interval — 95%CI 1.01-2.84), a history of engaging in sex work (aPR=2.04, 95%CI 1.46-2.85), self-reporting regular, bad, or very bad emotional health (aPR=1.67, 95%CI 1.28-2.19), and experiencing difficulties accessing health services in the previous year (aPR=2.78, 95%CI 1.74-4.43). Conclusion The high prevalence of sexual violence, analyzed together with the actions of the victims, indicates a context of high vulnerability and low institutional support. In this scenario, violence can be exacerbated, resulting in severe health consequences.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever a prevalência, características e fatores associados à violência sexual em mulheres trans e travestis (MTT) no Brasil. Métodos Estudo transversal conduzido em cinco cidades brasileiras (Campo Grande, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Salvador e São Paulo) entre 2019 e 2021. As participantes foram recrutadas usando a técnica respondent-driven sampling (RDS). O desfecho é a experiência de violência sexual ao longo da vida. As ações tomadas pelas vítimas e como elas lidaram com a experiência foram avaliadas. Análise de regressão logística foi empregada para examinar as associações entre fatores sociodemográficos e comportamentais (como raça, renda, trabalho sexual e acesso aos serviços de saúde) e o desfecho. Resultados Um total de 1.317 MTT foram entrevistadas. Entre elas, 53% (n=698) relataram violência sexual. Para 64,4% (n=419) destas, a violência sexual ocorreu em mais de uma ocasião. A maioria das MTT não procurou serviços de saúde (93,2%, n=648), não denunciou (93,9%, n=653) nem buscou apoio de familiares ou amigos (86,5%, n=601). A maior prevalência de violência sexual foi associada à falta de moradia (razão de prevalência ajustada — RPa=1,69, IC 95% 1,01-2,84), histórico de envolvimento em trabalho sexual (RPa=2,04, IC 95% 1,46-2,85), relato de saúde emocional regular, ruim ou muito ruim (RPa=1,67, IC 95% 1,28-2,19) e experiência de dificuldades de acesso aos serviços de saúde (RPa=2,78, IC 95% 1,74-4,43). Conclusão A alta prevalência de violência sexual, analisada em conjunto com as ações das vítimas, indica um contexto de alta vulnerabilidade e baixo suporte institucional. Nesse cenário, a violência pode ser exacerbada, resultando em graves consequências para a saúde.

Profile and experiences during the incarceration of transgender women and travestis (TGW) in Brazil: a cross-sectional study / Perfil e experiências durante o encarceramento de mulheres trans e travestis (MTT) no Brasil: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of the present study is to describe the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of a group of transgender women and travestis (TGW) with a history of incarceration and the institutional and social context of this experience in Brazil. Methods: The analyzed data were derived from the TransOdara Study, a cross-sectional study conducted in five Brazilian capitals from December 2019 to July 2021. Participants were recruited using the Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) technique, in which, after an initial formative and exploratory stage, the first participants were identified; in turn, these participants recruited up to six other transgender women and travestis for the research. The study's outcome was the experience of incarceration throughout life, captured through the question: "Have you ever been arrested in your life?" Results: A total of 1,245 TGW were interviewed, of which 20.3% (n=253) experienced incarceration. Incarceration was more frequent among those aged 33 to 42 years (35.6%), with lower level of education (45.5%, p<0.001), engaged in informal work (30.3%), without a partner (67.2%), and among those who reported illicit drug use (66.4%). The majority (60.9%) of TGW were incarcerated with cisgender men, and the most common reasons for imprisonment were drug trafficking (30.4%) followed by robbery (29.2%). Over a quarter of the interviewees (26.3%) experienced assault, and 13.8% reported experiencing sexual violence during incarceration. Conclusion: The results emphasize the high prevalence of incarceration among TGW. This incarceration takes place in male wards and in a context of high rates of physical and sexual violence.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo é descrever as características sociodemográficas e comportamentais de um grupo de mulheres trans e travestis (MTT) com histórico de encarceramento e o contexto institucional e social desta experiência no Brasil. Métodos: Os dados são provenientes do Estudo TransOdara, de delineamento transversal, realizado em 5 capitais brasileiras no período de dezembro de 2019 a julho de 2021. As participantes foram recrutadas pela técnica Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS), onde, após uma etapa inicial formativa e exploratória, as primeiras participantes foram identificadas; elas, por sua vez, recrutavam até outras seis mulheres trans e travestis para a pesquisa. O desfecho do estudo foi a experiência de encarceramento durante a vida apreendido através da pergunta: "Você alguma vez na vida já foi presa?". Resultados: Um total de 1.245 MTT foram entrevistadas. Destas, 20,3% (n=253) experienciaram o cárcere. O encarceramento foi mais frequente entre as entrevistadas de 33 a 42 anos (35,6%), com menor escolaridade (45,5%), em situação de trabalho informal (30,3%) e entre aquelas que reportaram uso de drogas ilícitas (66,4%). A maioria (60,9%) das MTT ficou presa com homens cisgênero, e o motivo da prisão mais frequente foi o tráfico de drogas (30,4%), seguido de roubo (29,2%). Mais de um quarto das entrevistadas (26,3%) sofreu agressão, e 13,8% relataram ter sofrido violência sexual durante o encarceramento. Conclusão: Os resultados destacam a elevada prevalência de encarceramento entre MTT. Este encarceramento se dá em alas masculinas e em um contexto de altas taxas de violência física e sexual.

Factors associated with directly observed treatment in tuberculosis/HIV coinfection cases in Porto Alegre, 2009-2013: A retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: TB/HIV coinfection is a serious public health issue in Brazil, and patients with coinfection have difficulty adhering to treatments. Directly observed treatment (DOT) has been recommended by the World Health Organization, considering the vulnerability of those affected. The purpose is to investigate the occurrence of DOT and associated factors compared to conventional treatment in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out with all patients with coinfection from 2009 to 2013 in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, the state capital with the highest rate of coinfection in Brazil. The data came from national health information systems. The dependent variable was the performance of DOT. Bivariate and multivariable models were used to determine factors associated with DOT. The percentage of cure and death was verified in a period of two years, comparing patients who received and did not receive DOT. RESULTS: 2,400 cases of coinfection were reported, with 1,574 males and 826 females and a mean age of 38 years ± 9.91 years. The occurrence of DOT was 16.9%. In the multivariable analysis, factors independently associated to DOT were the year (with greater chances of being received in 2012 and 2013), place of origin, non-white race (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.08-1.54), cases of relapse (OR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.03-1.73), readmission after abandonment (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.20-1.83), transfer (OR = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.40-2.98), acid-fast bacilli (AFB) test with positive result in first sample (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.24-2.42), alcohol abuse (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.16-1.67), and mental disorders (OR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.38-2.44.) Of the 532 cases of death, occurring in two years, 10.2% were in patients who underwent DOT and 89.8% in patients who did not undergo DOT (p<0.001). O percentual de óbitos em pessoas que receberam DOT foi de 13% e o percentual de óbitos para pessoas que receberam tratamento convencional foi de 24%. CONCLUSIONS: There was an increase in the percentage of DOT over the years in the scenario studied, and the predictors for DOT were related to social vulnerability. In relation to death within two years, a lower proportion was found in patients who underwent DOT, suggesting a protective effect of the strategy.

Inconsistent condom use with casual partners among men who have sex with men in Brazil: a cross-sectional study / Uso inconsistente do preservativo com parceiros casuais entre homens que fazem sexo com homens no Brasil: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with inconsistent condom use with casual partners in a population of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil. Methods: In 2016, 4,176 MSM >18 years were enrolled in 12 capitals of Brazil using a Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) method. For the construction of the outcome, we evaluated questions about condom use in all anal intercourse (receptive and insertive) in the previous six months and the last sexual intercourse. Estimates were calculated using a weighted complex sample design. We performed a logistic regression analysis to determine the associations between sociodemographic and behavioral factors and inconsistent condom use in sexual relationships with casual male partners. Results: More than half of our sample (50.8%) had not used condoms consistently with casual partners in the previous six months. Inconsistent condom use was significantly associated with: low education (weighted odds ratio — wOR: 1.55; 95% confidence interval — CI 0.99-2.40), lack of counseling on sexually transmitted infections STI (wOR: 1.51; 95%CI 1.05-2.17), non-use of condoms at sexual debut (wOR: 3.05; 95%CI 2.12-4.40) and moderate and high perceived risk for HIV (wOR: 1.51; 95%CI 1.07-2.14). Higher age was negatively associated with inconsistent condom use (wOR=0.97, 95%CI 0.89-0.99). Conclusion: Despite being an individual behavior, condom use is related to factors beyond the individual scope. HIV/Aids prevention policies should focus on younger MSM, providing qualified information about condom use, preferably before the beginning of their sexual life.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os fatores associados ao uso inconsistente do preservativo com parceiros casuais em uma população de homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) no Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com método de amostragem Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS), desenvolvido em 12 capitais do Brasil, com 4.176 HSH. Para a construção do desfecho, foram avaliadas questões sobre o uso do preservativo em todas as relações anais (receptivas e insertivas) nos últimos seis meses e a última relação sexual. As estimativas foram calculadas usando um desenho amostral complexo ponderado. Realizamos uma análise de regressão logística para determinar as associações entre fatores sociodemográficos e comportamentais e o uso inconsistente do preservativo. Resultados: Mais da metade da nossa amostra (50,8%) não usou preservativo de forma consistente com parceiros casuais nos últimos seis meses. O uso inconsistente do preservativo foi significativamente associado a: falta de aconselhamento sobre infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (weighted odds ratio — wOR: 1,51; intervalo de confiança — IC95% 1,05-2,17), não uso de preservativo na primeira relação sexual (wOR: 3,05; IC95% 2,12-4,40) e autopercepção de risco para o HIV como moderado e alto (wOR: 1,51; IC95% 1,07-2,14). Maior idade foi negativamente associada ao uso inconsistente do preservativo (wOR=0,97, IC95% 0,89-0,99). Conclusão: Apesar de ser um comportamento individual, o uso do preservativo está relacionado a fatores além do âmbito privado. As políticas de prevenção ao HIV/AIDS devem focar nos HSH mais jovens, fornecendo informações qualificadas sobre o uso do preservativo, preferencialmente antes do início da vida sexual.

O diagnóstico do HIV/aids em homens heterossexuais: a surpresa permanece mesmo após mais de 30 anos de epidemia / HIV/AIDS diagnosis in heterosexual men: still a surprise after more than 30 years of the epidemic / El diagnóstico del VIH/SIDA en hombres heterosexuales: se mantiene la sorpresa incluso tras más de 30 años de epidemia

Resumo: Os homens são o principal grupo afetado pela infecção do HIV no Brasil, com tendência de crescimento nos últimos dez anos. Nos dados oficiais, os homens heterossexuais representam 49% dos casos, os homossexuais 38% e os bissexuais 9,1%. Os homens heterossexuais ficaram subsumidos na categoria de "população geral", não recebendo destaque em políticas ou ações de prevenção. O presente artigo se propõe a analisar as circunstâncias e estratégias por meio das quais os homens heterossexuais descobrem o diagnóstico do HIV. Busca-se, assim, compreender os caminhos percorridos, bem como os atores sociais envolvidos no diagnóstico de HIV/aids. Os dados analisados resultam de uma pesquisa qualitativa na qual foram entrevistados 36 homens vivendo com HIV/aids que não se identificam como homossexuais e/ou bissexuais. Esses homens foram contatados em três serviços especializados em aids de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os resultados indicam que eles se consideram imunes ao HIV, sendo o diagnóstico um evento inesperado. As mulheres (parceiras afetivo-sexuais e/ou ex-parceiras) são peças fundamentais para o diagnóstico masculino, pois revelam, seja pelo pré-natal, seja pelo adoecimento, a presença do HIV. Uma parcela importante dos homens se descobre soropositivo por ocasião de alguma doença, como a tuberculose, ou após várias idas e vindas dos serviços de saúde. A busca pela testagem de forma espontânea só acontece mediante a identificação de situações e sinais associados a uma possível contaminação. Os homens heterossexuais possuem poucas oportunidades de diagnóstico do HIV e, para além do gênero, são sujeitos à vulnerabilidade programática.

Abstract: Men are the main group affected by HIV infection in Brazil, with an upward trend in the last 10 years. According to official data, heterosexual men represent 49% of cases, followed by homosexuals with 38% and bisexuals with 9.1%. Heterosexual men have been subsumed in the category "overall population" and have failed to receive specific attention in preventive policies or activities. The article proposes to analyze the circumstances and strategies by which heterosexual men learn of their HIV diagnosis. The study thus seeks to understand the paths and social actors involved in their HIV/AIDS diagnosis. The data are from a qualitative study interviewing 36 men living with HIV/AIDS that did not self-identify as homosexuals and/or bisexuals. The men were contacted in three specialized AIDS services in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The results indicate that men consider themselves immune to HIV, and that the diagnosis is an unexpected event. Women (affective-sexual partners and/or former partners) are fundamental components in the men's diagnosis, since they reveal the presence of HIV through either prenatal care or their own illness. An important share of these men discover that they are HIV-positive through some illness such as tuberculosis or after several visits to health services. Spontaneous search for HIV testing only occurs through situations and signs associated with possible infection. Heterosexual men have few opportunities for HIV diagnosis, and beyond gender issues, they are subject to programmatic vulnerability.

Resumen: Los hombres son el principal grupo afectado por la infección del VIH en Brasil, con una tendencia de crecimiento en los últimos 10 años. En los datos oficiales, los hombres heterosexuales representan un 49% de los casos, los homosexuales un 38% y los bisexuales un 9,1%. Los hombres heterosexuales quedaron encajados en la categoría de "población general", no siendo relevantes en políticas o acciones de prevención. Este artículo se propone analizar las circunstancias y estrategias a través de las cuales los hombres heterosexuales descubren el diagnóstico del VIH. Se busca, de esta forma, comprender los caminos recorridos, así como los actores sociales implicados en el diagnóstico del VIH/SIDA. Los datos analizados son resultado de una investigación cualitativa en la que se entrevistaron a 36 hombres, viviendo con VIH/SIDA, que no se identifican como homosexuales y/o bisexuales. Se contactó con estos hombres a través de tres servicios especializados en sida de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Los resultados indican que los hombres se consideran inmunes al VIH, siendo el diagnóstico un evento inesperado. Las mujeres (parejas afectivo-sexuales y/o ex-parejas) son piezas fundamentales para el diagnóstico masculino, puesto que revelan, sea a través del cuidado prenatal, sea a través de la enfermedad, la presencia del VIH. Una parte importante de los hombres se descubre seropositiva, debido a alguna enfermedad, como la tuberculosis, o tras varias idas y venidas a los servicios de salud. La búsqueda de un test espontáneo solamente se produce mediante la identificación de situaciones y señales asociadas a una posible infección. Los hombres heterosexuales poseen pocas oportunidades de diagnóstico del VIH y, más allá del género, están sujetos a vulnerabilidad programática.