Educação sexual e vulnerabilidade de usuários de aplicativos, comparações a partir da orientação sexual / Educación sexual y vulnerabilidad de usuarios de aplicaciones, comparaciones a partir de la orientación sexual / Sex education and vulnerability of application users, comparisons based on sexual orientation

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a educação sexual, comportamentos de risco e atitudes de universitários usuários de aplicativos de encontros, considerando a orientação sexual. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo de natureza quantitativa, transversal e descritivo, com uma amostra não probabilística de conveniência, constituída por 359 universitários da região norte do Brasil. Utilizou-se um questionário com informações sobre dados sociodemográficos, uso de aplicativos de encontros, fontes de informações sobre sexo seguro, comportamentos de risco e atitudes. Foram realizadas análises bivariadas e análise de variância com testes post-hoc de Bonferroni. Resultados Homossexuais (92,3%) e bissexuais (84,9%) reportaram o uso de aplicativos e tiveram encontro com parceiro casual (p<0,05). O Tinder foi o aplicativo acessado por 93,58% dos usuários. Não houve diferença para a prática sexual, sexo desprotegido e múltiplos parceiros sexuais. Informações sobre sexo seguro e infecções sexualmente transmissíveis por meio dos aplicativos foi reportada por homossexuais (61,1%) (p<0,05). Bissexuais (22,2%) vivenciaram a educação sexual nos eventos científicos e heterossexuais (38,2%) recorreram aos amigos universitários (p<0,05). Homossexuais (88,9%) acessaram o serviço do Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento e 72,4% realizaram a testagem para infecções sexualmente transmissíveis após a prática sexual com parceiro casual (p<0,05). As atitudes positivas para a saúde sexual foram observadas nos heterossexuais não usuários de aplicativos de encontros. Conclusão A vulnerabilidade dos usuários de aplicativos de encontros não esteve associada com a orientação sexual. Intervenções por meio da educação sexual que estimulem o autoconhecimento e os riscos da prática sexual desprotegida são requeridas frente ao acesso às tecnologias para encontros casuais.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar la educación sexual, comportamientos de riesgo y actitudes de estudiantes universitarios usuarios de aplicaciones de citas, considerando la orientación sexual. Métodos Se trata de un estudio de naturaleza cuantitativa, transversal y descriptiva, con una muestra no probabilística de conveniencia, constituida por 359 estudiantes universitarios de la región norte de Brasil. Se utilizó un cuestionario con información sobre datos sociodemográficos, uso de aplicaciones de citas, fuentes de información sobre sexo seguro, comportamientos de riesgo y actitudes. Se realizaron análisis bivariados y análisis de varianza con ensayos post-hoc de Bonferroni. Resultados Homosexuales (92,3 %) y bisexuales (84,9 %) refirieron el uso de aplicaciones y tuvieron citas con pareja casual (p<0,05). Tinder fue la aplicación a la que el 93,58 % de los usuarios accedió. No hubo diferencias en la práctica sexual, sexo desprotegido y múltiples parejas sexuales. Información sobre sexo seguro y sobre infecciones de transmisión sexual por medio de las aplicaciones fue reportada por homosexuales (61,1 %) (p<0,05). Bisexuales (22,2 %) vivieron la educación sexual en los eventos científicos, y heterosexuales (38,2 %) recurrieron a sus amigos de la universidad (p<0,05). Homosexuales (88,9 %) accedieron al servicio del Centro de Testeo y de Consejo, y el 72,4 % realizó el testeo de infecciones sexualmente transmisibles después de la práctica sexual con pareja casual (p<0,05). Se observaron actitudes positivas hacia la salud sexual en los heterosexuales no usuarios de aplicaciones de citas. Conclusión La vulnerabilidad de los usuarios de aplicaciones de citas no estuvo asociada con la orientación sexual. Son necesarias intervenciones por medio de la educación sexual que estimulen el autoconocimiento y los riesgos de la práctica sexual desprotegida ante el acceso a las tecnologías para citas casuales.

Abstract Objective To analyze sex education, risk behaviors and attitudes of college students who use dating applications, considering their sexual orientation. Methods This is a quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study, with a non-probabilistic convenience sample, consisting of 359 college students from northern Brazil. A questionnaire was used with information on sociodemographic data, use of dating applications, sources of information on protected sex, risk behaviors and attitudes. Bivariate analyzes and analysis of variance with Bonferroni's post-hoc tests were performed. Results Homosexuals (92.3%) and bisexuals (84.9%) reported using applications and meeting with casual partners (p<0.05). Tinder was the application accessed by 93.58% of users. There was no difference for sexual practice, unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners. Information about protected sex and sexually transmitted infections through the applications was reported by homosexuals (61.1%) (p<0.05). Bisexuals (22.2%) experienced sex education in scientific events and heterosexuals (38.2%) turned to college friends (p<0.05). Homosexuals (88.9%) accessed the Testing and Counseling Center service and 72.4% were tested for sexually transmitted infections after having sex with a casual partner (p<0.05). Positive attitudes towards sexual health were observed in heterosexual non-dating application users. Conclusion Vulnerability of dating application users was not associated with sexual orientation. Interventions through sex education that stimulate self-knowledge and the risks of unprotected sexual practice are required in view of access to technologies for casual dates.

Electronic tools for physical activity and quality of life of medical students during COVID-19 pandemic social isolation

Abstract Aim: This study investigates the impact of social isolation, weight changes, and physical activity (PA) by the electronic tools (eTools) on the quality of life (QoL) of Brazilian medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this observational longitudinal study, one hundred eighty-nine medical students completed an e-questionnaire, which used the WHOQOL-Bref instrument to report QoL and sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and lifestyles related to PA. Cronbach's alpha and Friedman/Dunn and Spearman's correlation tests were performed. Based on descriptive and inferential statistics, a multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the potential predictors of QoL. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic particularly affected the psychological and social domains. Time spent indoors and a non-ideal BMI had a negative impact on QoL. Being female and sexual minority-group membership were associated with lower QoL scores in the psychological and physical domains, respectively. Access to PA eTools was positively associated with QoL. Being monitored by a physical education teacher contributes to satisfactory PA levels during online classes. Conclusion: This study provides novel insights into the access of PA eTools on QoL during the COVID-19 pandemic. During periods of social distancing, people should pay extra attention to self-care strategies to protect mental health and promote positive lifestyle patterns. In addition, using online PA resources monitored by physical education teachers could be a strategy to maintain satisfactory levels of exercise.

Associação de dislipidemia, hipertensão e sobrepeso/obesidade com o turno de trabalho e tempo de serviço de policiais numa cidade de pequeno porte no Nordeste brasileiro / Association of dyslipidemia, hypertension and overweight/obesity with work shift and duration of employment among police officers in a small town in Northeastern Brazil

Introdução: A síndrome metabólica e diversas doenças crônicas vêm impactando o trabalho de policiais militares. Objetivos: Avaliar a relacão entre sobrepeso/obesidade e fatores de risco cardiovascular associados ao turno e ao tempo de serviço entre policiais. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 102 policiais militares da cidade de Cajazeiras, Paraíba. Foram analisadas características sociodemográficas, ocupacionais, índice de massa corporal (IMC), perfil lipídico, comorbidades e estilo de vida. Os testes χ2 e exato de Fisher foram utilizados na análise dos grupos. Resultados: Sobrepeso/obesidade foi encontrado em 83,3% dos policiais. Hipertrigliceridemia (49,1%), baixas concentrações de HDL-C (56,9%) e LDL-C sérico elevado (46,1%) apresentaram associação com alterações do IMC (p<0,05). Hipertensão arterial foi a principal doença relatada pelos participantes com sobrepeso/obesidade (28,2%) (p=0,01). Função desempenhada, estilo de vida e turno de trabalho não apresentaram associação com as variáveis analisadas. No entanto, alterações no IMC, dislipidemia e hipertensão foram frequentes entre os participantes com 6 a 10 ou mais de 10 anos de serviço (p<0,05). Conclusão: Parte dos participantes com um mínimo de 6 anos de tempo de serviço apresentou sobrepeso/obesidade associado a dislipidemia e hipertensão arterial. Recomenda-se a implementação de estratégias preventivas e terapêuticas para proteger os agentes policiais de doenças crônicas ou atenuar suas complicações no longo prazo. Estudos prospectivos são necessários para confirmar as associações identificadas no presente estudo, principalmente entre o tempo de serviço e doenças ocupacionais.

Background: Metabolic syndrome and chronic diseases have impact on the job performance of police officers. Objective: To investigate the association of overweight/obesity and cardiovascular risk factors with work shift and duration of employment among police officers. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 102 police officers in Cajazeiras, Paraíba, Brazil, in which we analyzed sociodemographic data, occupational characteristics, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, personal history of disease and lifestyle. Statistical analysis included the chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Results: Overweight/obesity was found among most participants (83.3%). Hypertriglyceridemia (49.1%), low HDL-C (56.9%) and high LDL-C (46.1%) levels were associated with abnormal BMI (p<0.05). Hypertension was the main disease reported by overweight/obese participants (28.2%) (p=0.01). Job position, lifestyle and work shift were not associated with any of the analyzed variables, however, abnormal BMI, dyslipidemia, and hypertension were frequent among the participants with 6­10 or more than 10 years in the job (p<0.05). Conclusion: Part of the participants with at least 6 years in the job exhibited overweight/obesity in association with dyslipidemia and hypertension. We recommend prevention and therapeutic strategies to protect officers from chronic diseases or attenuate their long-term complications. Additional prospective studies are needed to confirm the associations we found, mainly between duration of employment and occupational diseases

Occupational accidents with biological material among professionals in clinical laboratories in Cajazeiras, Paraíba, Brazil / Acidentes ocupacionais com materiais biológicos entre trabalhadores de laboratórios de análises clínicas em Cajazeiras, Paraíba, Brasil

Context: Occupational accidents in health institutes can result in the transmission of human infectious diseases. The collection and processing of biological samples are risk factors for accidents involving clinical laboratory workers. Objective: To identify occupational accidents with biological material among healthcare workers in the clinical laboratories of Cajazeiras city, Paraíba, Brazil. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional and analytical study using a semi-structured questionnaire distributed to 38 workers at six clinical laboratories. Social-demographic data, types of occupational accidents, post-exposure procedures, biosafety practices, and emotional impact were analyzed. Results: Workplace accidents were reported by 22 (57.9%) interviewees. Female gender (81.6%) was more prevalent in this study population. Nurse technicians and biochemists related the most frequent exposures. Accidents occurred mainly in the upper extremities (91%). The biological fluids related to the occupational accidents included blood (81.8%) and urine (45.5%). Thirty-three (86.8%) workers reported undergoing a post-exposure evaluation in the workplace. Fourteen (63.6%) participants underwent laboratory testing after biological material exposure. Conclusion: The data showed that occupational accidents in clinical laboratories are frequent among healthcare workers. We suggest new approaches for occupational accidents in the clinical laboratories to ameliorate the biosafety guidelines and working conditions of healthcare professionals.

Contexto: Acidentes ocupacionais nos institutos de saúde podem resultar na transmissão de doenças infecciosas. A coleta e o processamento de amostras biológicas são fatores de risco para a ocorrência de acidentes em laboratórios clínicos. Objetivo: Identificar os acidentes de trabalho com material biológico entre profissionais dos laboratórios de análises clínicas da cidade de Cajazeiras, Paraíba, Brasil. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal e analítico, utilizando um questionário semiestruturado, distribuído a 38 trabalhadores em seis laboratórios clínicos. Foram analisados os dados sociodemográficos, tipos de acidentes de trabalho, procedimentos pós-exposição, práticas de biossegurança e impacto emocional após a exposição. Resultados: Os acidentes ocupacionais foram relatados por 22 (57,9%) trabalhadores. O sexo feminino (81,6%) foi mais prevalente na população do estudo. Técnicos de enfermagem e bioquímicos foram frequentemente expostos aos materiais biológicos. Os acidentes ocorreram principalmente na região dos membros superiores (91%). Os fluidos biológicos relatados nos acidentes de trabalho incluíram sangue (81,8%) e urina (45,5%). Trinta e três (86,8%) entrevistados relataram a existência de procedimentos pós-exposição no local de trabalho. Quatorze (63,6%) participantes realizaram testes laboratoriais após exposição ao material biológico. Conclusão: Os dados mostraram que os acidentes de trabalho nos laboratórios clínicos são frequentes entre os profissionais de saúde. Este estudo sugere novas abordagens sobre acidentes de trabalho nos laboratórios clínicos para melhorar as diretrizes de segurança biológica e as condições de trabalho dos profissionais de saúde.

Propionibacterium acnes-killed attenuates the inflammatory response and protects mice from sepsis by modulating inflammatory factors

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a systemic inflammation associated with infection caused by pathogenic micro-organisms with high mortality rates. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the protective effect of Propionibacterium acnes-killed against polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture. METHODS: The mice were treated by intramuscular route in 1, 3, 5, and 7 days before the cecal ligation and puncture induction. The control group animals received vehicle (saline solution 0.9%) and the animals of the treated group received the P. acnes-killed (0.4 mg/animal). After anesthesia, midline laparotomy was performed with exposure of cecum followed by ligature and one transverse perforation of the same, with a 18 G needle, for induction of lethal sepsis. After surgery, the cecum of the animals was replaced into the peritoneal cavity, and it was closed with a 4.0 nylon suture. The survival of animals subjected to lethal sepsis was evaluated after cecal ligation and puncture induction. Six hours after the induction of sepsis, neutrophil migration, the number of bacteria, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-10 were performed in the peritoneal lavage. RESULTS: Prophylactic treatment with P. acnes-killed increased the survival of the animals, followed by a significant decrease in the TNF-α, IL-10, and MCP-1 levels, 6 h after cecal ligation and puncture. Furthermore, P. acnes-killed administration reduced the number of bacteria in the peritoneal cavity with increased migration of leukocytes, especially neutrophils. CONCLUSION: P. acnes-killed promoted increased survival rate of animals with sepsis, in part attributed to its immunomodulatory properties against pathogenic microorganisms, as well as better control of infection by reducing bacterial counts.