Insegurança alimentar e nutricional e os comportamentos de risco e proteção para saúde em adolescentes durante a pandemia de covid-19 / Food and nutritional insecurity and health risk behaviors in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMO A pandemia de covid-19 reduziu o acesso aos alimentos e aumentou a insegurança alimentar. Objetivouse analisar a prevalência de Insegurança Alimentar e Nutricional (IAN) em adolescentes brasileiros durante a pandemia de covid-19 segundo características sociodemográficas e examinar a associação entre IAN e comportamentos de risco e proteção em adolescentes brasileiros durante esse período. Estudo transversal com dados da 'ConVid Adolescentes - Pesquisa de Comportamentos', realizada entre junho e outubro de 2020, utilizando-se um questionário autoaplicado por meio de celular ou computador. A população foi adolescentes de 12 a 17 anos, totalizando 9.470. Utilizou-se a Razão de Prevalência (RP) e Intervalo de Confiança de 95% (IC95%), por meio da regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. A prevalência de IAN (26,1%) foi mais elevada entre os adolescentes da raça/cor preta e parda e que estudam em escola pública. Os adolescentes que relataram IAN tiveram menor consumo de hortaliças e frutas, menor prática de atividade física e maior uso de cigarros e álcool. A IAN foi mais prevalente em adolescentes com piores condições socioeconômicas, e, adolescentes com IAN apresentaram maior frequência de comportamentos de risco para a saúde evidenciando a importância de políticas públicas intersetoriais para a redução de desigualdades.

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced access to food and increased food insecurity. The objectives were to analyse the prevalence of Food and Nutritional Insecurity (FNI) in Brazilian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic according to sociodemographic characteristics and to examine the association between FNI and risk and protective behaviours in Brazilian adolescents during the that period. Cross-sectional study with data from the 'ConVid teenagers - Behaviour Survey,' carried out between June and October 2020, using a self-administered questionnaire via mobile phone or computer. The population was made up of teenagers aged 12 to 17, totalling 9,470. The Prevalence Ratio (PR) and 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) were used, using Poisson regression with robust variance. The prevalence of FNI (26.1%) was higher among adolescents of black and mixed race/colour and who study in public schools. Adolescents who reported FNI had lower consumption of vegetables and fruits, less physical activity, and greater use of cigarettes and alcohol. FNI was more prevalent in adolescents with worse socioeconomic conditions, and adolescents with FNI showed a higher frequency of health risk behaviours, highlighting the importance of intersectoral public policies to reduce inequalities.

Sexual risk behavior and knowledge about sexually transmitted infections in a university population in Sorocaba, Brazil / Comportamento sexual de risco e conhecimento sobre infecções sexualmente transmissíveis em uma população universitária na cidade de Sorocaba/SP

INTRODUCTION: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem to which young people are highly exposed and knowledge about vulnerabilities that affect them is needed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge about STIs and sexual behavior of a university population in the city of Sorocaba/SP. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with data collection realized by an online application with qualitative and quantitative characteristics. RESULTS: Four hundred and seventy-seven (477) university students from different areas of knowledge were analyzed. The majority pointed to the beginning of sexual life between 15 and 18 years old. Information about sex education was obtained mainly through parents and/ or guardians, while little additional knowledge was obtained after entering higher education. Biological and Health Sciences students achieved a higher score on the knowledge questionnaire and were less likely (0.391) to contract STIs when compared to Applied Social Sciences or Engineering students (2.8 and 2.9 more likely, respectively). CONCLUSION: Students who demonstrated greater knowledge about STIs and acquired more information on the subject during graduation were less likely to become infected, suggesting that campaigns aimed at the university public are essential for the prevention and control of these pathogens.

INTRODUÇÃO: As infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) são um grande problema de saúde pública, ao qual os jovens apresentam alta exposição, sendo necessário um maior conhecimento sobre as vulnerabilidades que os acometem. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o conhecimento sobre as IST e o comportamento sexual de uma população universitária na cidade de Sorocaba/SP. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo descritivo, de corte transversal, com a coleta de dados realizada por meio de aplicação online de questionário com características qualitativas e quantitativas. RESULTADOS: Quatrocentos e setenta e sete (477) universitários de diferentes áreas de conhecimento foram avaliados. A maioria dos relatos apontou para o início da vida sexual entre 15 e 18 anos. As informações sobre educação sexual foram obtidas principalmente por intermédio dos pais e/ou responsáveis, enquanto pouco conhecimento adicional foi obtido após o ingresso no Ensino Superior. Estudantes de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde alcançaram o maior score no questionário sobre conhecimento e apresentaram chances menores (0,391) de contrair IST, quando comparados aos estudantes de Ciências Sociais Aplicadas ou Engenharias (2,8 e 2,9 mais chances, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: Os estudantes que demonstraram maior conhecimento sobre as IST e que adquiriram mais informações sobre o tema durante a graduação apresentaram chances menores de se infectar, o que sugere que campanhas destinadas ao público universitário são essenciais para a prevenção e o controle desses patógenos.

El humo del electrocauterio, el riesgo olvidado y minimizado de la cirugía / Smoke from electrocautery, the forgotten and minimized risk of surgery

Introducción. La nueva era de la cirugía es cada vez más dependiente de la tecnología, y un ejemplo de ello es el uso generalizado de electrocauterio como parte primordial de la práctica quirúrgica. El humo quirúrgico es un subproducto de la disección y la coagulación de los tejidos producidas por los equipos de energía, que representa múltiples riesgos potenciales para la salud del grupo quirúrgico, sin embargo, se han minimizado los peligros causados por la exposición de manera frecuente y acumulativa a este aerosol. Métodos. Se realizó un análisis crítico, desde una posición reflexiva de la información disponible, estableciendo los posibles riesgos relacionados con la exposición al humo quirúrgico. Discusión. Es visible la necesidad imperativa de establecer directrices nacionales, pautas normativas y recomendaciones estandarizadas para cumplir con las exigencias dadas por los sistemas de gestión en salud ocupacional y seguridad del trabajo, cuyo objetivo principal es hacer efectivo el uso de mascarillas quirúrgicas apropiadas, la implementación de programa de vigilancia epidemiológica ambiental en sala de cirugía, la priorización del uso constante de aspiradores y sistemas de evacuación, y la ejecución de programas educativos de sensibilización dirigidos al personal implicado. De igual manera, se abre la inquietud de la necesidad de nuevos estudios para definir con mayor precisión el peligro de este aerosol. Conclusión. Se recomienda de manera responsable utilizar todas las estrategias preventivas existentes para intervenir en salas de cirugía los riesgos minimizados y olvidados del humo quirúrgico.

Introduction. The new era of surgery is increasingly dependent on technology, and an example of this is the widespread use of electrocautery as a primary part of surgical practice. Surgical smoke is a byproduct of the dissection and coagulation of tissues produced by energy equipment, which represents multiple potential health risks for the surgical group; however, the dangers caused by cumulative exposure have been minimized. Methods. A critical analysis was carried out from a reflective position of the available information, establishing the possible risks related to exposure to surgical smoke. Discussion. The imperative need to establish national normative guidelines and standardized recommendations to comply with the demands given by the occupational health and work safety management systems, whose main objective is to make effective the use of appropriate surgical masks, implementation of environmental epidemiological surveillance program in the operating room, prioritizing the constant use of vacuum cleaners and evacuation systems, and carrying out educational awareness programs aimed at the personnel involved. Likewise, there is concern about the need for new studies to more precisely define the danger of this aerosol. Conclusion. It is recommended to responsibly use all existing preventive strategies to intervene in operating rooms to minimize the forgotten risks of surgical smoke.

Food consumption and remote working conditions among Brazilian Primary Schools teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic / Consumo de alimentos y condiciones de trabajo remoto en maestros brasileños de básica durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Introduction: Teaching work, which is characterized by being exhausting, with a significant workload, with synchronous and/or asynchronous remote classes. Objective: To describe associations between the working conditions of school teachers at home and their food consumption during the suspension of face-to-face classes. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study using a self-administered online questionnaire with 15,372 working teachers from Minas Gerais, Brazil. The dependent variables analyzed were the consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods. Independent variables included sociodemographic factors, remote work conditions, understanding of online technologies, computer access, and quality of Internet connection. The Poisson model with robust variance was used to determine the association between working conditions and food consumption. Results: In the analysis of the adjusted multivariate model, there was a significant association between eating habits and the following variables: gender, age, working hours (per week), feelings regarding teachers' work during the pandemic, working hours during the pandemic and quality work internet connection. Our data shows that teachers' remote working conditions are associated with worse food consumption. They also showed that working hours equal to or greater than 40 hours per week, feelings of dissatisfaction with working conditions during the pandemic, increased working hours during the pandemic and poor quality of internet connection were variables correlated with the consumption of unhealthy foods. Conclusions: Remote working conditions during the pandemic influenced primary school teachers' food choices. More studies are needed to delve deeper into issues related to teachers' working conditions and the implications for food choices(AU)

Introducción: La labor docente se caracteriza por ser agotadora, con una importante carga horaria, con clases remotas síncronas y/o asíncronas. Objetivo: Describir la asociación existente entre las condiciones del trabajo remoto de los docentes de la educación básica y el consumo de sus alimentos durante el período de suspensión de las clases presenciales. Métodos: Es un estudio transversal mediante cuestionario en línea autoadministrado con 15.372 docentes activos en Minas Gerais, Brasil. Las variables dependientes analizadas fueron el consumo de los alimentos saludables y de los no saludables. Las variables independientes incluyeron los factores sociodemográficos, las condiciones del trabajo remoto, la comprensión de las tecnologías en línea, el acceso a las computadoras así como la calidad de la conexión a la Internet. Se utilizó el modelo de Poisson con variación robusta para determinar la asociación entre las condiciones del trabajo y el consumo de los alimentos. Resultados: En el análisis del modelo multivariado ajustado hubo una asociación significativa entre los hábitos alimentarios y las siguientes variables: el género, la edad, la jornada laboral semanal, el sentimiento sobre el trabajo durante la pandemia, la jornada laboral durante la pandemia y la calidad de la conexión a la internet. Nuestros datos demuestran que las condiciones del trabajo remoto de los docentes están asociadas con un empeoramiento en el consumo de los alimentos. También mostraron que la jornada laboral igual o superior a unas 40 horas semanales, los sentimientos de insatisfacción con las condiciones laborales, el aumento de la jornada laboral y la mala calidad de la conexión a la Internet durante la pandemia fueron variables correlacionadas con el consumo de alimentos no saludables. Conclusiones: Las condiciones del trabajo remoto durante la pandemia influyeron en las elecciones alimentarias de los docentes de la educación básica. Se necesitan más estudios para profundizar en los aspectos relacionados con las condiciones laborales de los docentes y sus implicaciones en la elección de sus alimentos(AU)

Source analysis and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in atmospheric PM2.5 in a district of Taizhou City from 2019 to 2021 / 环境与职业医学

Background Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), one of the main components of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), have a certain impact on ambient air quality, and long-term exposure to PAHs may pose potential health risks to human beings. Objective To identify the distribution characteristics and sources of PAHs in atmospheric PM2.5 in a district of Taizhou City from 2019 to 2021, and to evaluate the health risks of PAHs to the population in the area through the inhalation pathway. Methods From 2019 to 2021, air PM2.5 sampling was carried out at a state-controlled surveillance point in a district of Taizhou City for 7 consecutive days on the 10th-16th of each month, the sampling time was 24 h·d−1, and the sampling flow rate was 100 L·min−1. PM2.5 mass concentration was calculated by gravimetric method. A total of 16 PAHs were determined by ultrasonic extraction-liquid chromatography. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the distribution charac teristics of PAHs concentrations by years and seasons, characteristic ratio and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze their sources, and a lifetime carcinogenic risk (ILCR) model was used to assess the health risk of PAHs. Results From 2019 to 2021, the annual average concentrations [M (P25, P75)] of ∑PAHs in atmospheric PM2.5 in the selected district of Taizhou City were 6.52 (2.46, 10.59), 8.52 (4.56, 12.29), and 3.72 (1.51, 7.11) ng·m−3, respectively, and the annual benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) excess rates (national limit: 1 ng·m−3) were 27.38% (23/84), 47.62% (40/84), and 19.04% (16/84), respectively, both presenting 2020> 2019 > 2021 (P<0.001, P<0.05). The ∑PAHs concentration distribution showed a seasonal variation, with the highest value in winter and the lowest value in summer (P<0.05). Among the atmospheric PM2.5 samples, the proportion of 5-ring PAHs was the highest, the proportion of 2-3-ring PAHs was the lowest; the proportion of 2-4-ring PAHs showed a yearly upward trend, and the proportion of 5-6-ring PAHs showed yearly downward trend (P<0.05). The characteristic ratio and PCA results suggested that the sources of sampled PAHs were mainly mixed sources such as dust, fossil fuel (natural gas), coal combustion, industrial emissions, and motor vehicle exhaust emissions. The ILCR (RILCR) of PAHs by inhalation for men, women, and children were 1.83×10−6, 2.35×10−6, and 2.04×10−6, respectively, and the annual average RILCR was 2.07×10−6, all greater than 1×10−6. Conclusion For the sampled time period, the main sources of PAHs pollution in atmospheric PM2.5 in the target district of Taizhou City are dust, fossil fuel (natural gas), coal combustion, industrial emissions, motor vehicle emissions, etc., and PAHs may have a potential carcinogenic risk to local residents.

Simultaneous detection of 34 emerging contaminants in tap water by HPLC-MS/MS and health risk assessment / 中国法医学杂志

Objective To establish a simultaneous detection approach for 34 emerging contaminants(ECs)in tap water by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS).Human health risk assessment was performed according to the detection results from 43 tap water samples.Methods Tap water samples were concentrated and extracted by solid phase extraction,and then blown to near dry by nitrogen at 40℃.The sample extracts were dissolved in methanol-water solution(95:5,VN)to 0.5 mL for analyzing.Agilent Jet Stream Electrospray Ionization(AJS ESI)and the multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)mode were performed for MS to acquire the data of 34 ECs.A database including precursor ion,product ion and retention times was established accordingly.Results The average linear correlation coefficients(r)of 34 kinds of ECs was 0.995 9.The limits of detection were 0.01～0.60 ng/L and the recoveries were between 60.7％and 119.8％.The intra-group precisions were between 0.05％～9.89％and the intra-day precisions were between 0.20％～14.40％for the spiked samples.The method was applied to analyze 43 tap water samples and a total of 15 ECs were detected.According to the results,the detection rate of caffeine was the highest(84％),and the concentration range was ND～74.42 ng/L.Among all the ECs detected,1,2,3-benzotriazole had the highest concentration(ND～361.15 ng/L),where detection rate was 44％.Humans may be exposed to these ECs by drinking the tap water.The human health risk assessments of 12 kinds of ECs were carried out,however,the estimated risk was negligible(risk quotient＜0.01).Conclusion The method is simple,highly sensitive and selective,and could meet the detection needs of ECs at trace level in tap water.There was no human health risk posed for ECs identified in 43 tap water samples analyzed by this method.

Health risk assessment of inhalation exposure to metallic elements in PM2.5 in four cities of the Pearl River Delta in 2022 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo understand the characteristics of PM2.5 pollution in the air of Pearl River Delta city in Guangdong Province under the COVID-19 epidemic and the health risks of inhaling elements in PM2.5. MethodsIn 2022， 10 PM2.5 monitoring points were set up in 10 districts in Guangzhou， Shenzhen， Foshan and Zhuhai， and air samples were collected for 7 consecutive days every month to analyze the concentration of PM2.5 and the 12 elements in PM2.5. The classic "four-step" method was used to evaluate the carcinogenic risk and chronic non-carcinogenic risk of the elements in air PM2.5 on health. The age-sensitive characteristics of metal elements were combined in the carcinogenic risk assessment， and age-sensitive factors were introduced to analyze the impact of air pollution on population health. ResultsA total of818 samples were collected. and the average annual PM2.5 concentration in the four cities of the Pearl River Delta was 30.17 （1.00-166.00， s=21.06） μg·m-3， which was lower than the concentration limit of the secondary standard of the Ambient Air Quality Standard （GB 3095-2012）. The difference of PM2.5 concentration in the four cities was statistically significant. The PM2.5 concentrations in Zhuhai and Shenzhen， which were located near the sea， were lower than those in Guangzhou and Foshan. The monthly mean concentration of PM2.5 in the four cities was the lowest at 13.70 （4.00-34.00， s=5.93） μg·m-3 in July and the highest at 57.73 （14.00-146.00， s=27.96） μg·m-3 in January， showing a low concentration from May to October and a high concentration from November to April of the following year. The average daily PM2.5 concentration exceeded the secondary standard for 29 days， mainly distributed in January and November. The average annual mass concentration of elements in PM2.5 in the four cities was Al>Mn>Pb>As>Ni>Cr>Se>Sb>Cd>Tl>Be>Hg. AS and Mn have chronic non-carcinogenic risk in population， while Cr， AS， Cd， Be and Ni have carcinogenic risk in population. ConclusionThe PM2.5 pollution levels of the four cities in the Pearl River Delta are low and variable. Coastal cities are lower than non-coastal cities， which shows the characteristics of first decreasing and then increasing throughout the year. The order of mass concentration of metal elements of PM2.5 in four cities is basically the same except Be and Ni. As and Mn in PM2.5 show a certain degree of chronic non-carcinogenic risk， and As， Cr， Cd， Ni and Be have a certain degree of carcinogenic risk. The four cities need to take effective intervention measures to continue to strengthen the pollution control and health protection of Cr， As， Cd and Mn in the air， and control the health burden caused by air pollution.

Spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in PM2.5 in Pudong of Shanghai and population health assessment / 环境与职业医学

Background In the Global Burden of Disease research, it has been found that atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution significantly harms human health. Currently, there is limited research on polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) that exhibit high toxicity effects in PM2.5 . Objective By studying the spatiotemporal distribution and variation characteristics of PCDD/Fs in PM2.5 in Pudong area of Shanghai, to assess the associated population health risk. Methods This study set up 28 sampling points in Pudong area. One sample of PM2.5 was collected during winter (February 2022) and summer (July 2022) at each site, with a sampling period lasting 24 h. The concentration of PM2.5 was measured by membrane filter method, and the content of 17 kinds of 2,3,7,8-substituted chlorinated PCDD/Fs in the samples was analyzed using isotope dilution. Seasonal variations (winter and summer) in the concentrations of PM2.5 and PCDD/Fs were evaluated, sources of PCDD/Fs pollution were tracing by principal component analysis, and health risks to the population from respiratory exposure to PCDD/Fs were estimated by VLIER-HUMAAN model. Results The PM2.5 concentrations in the 28 samples ranged from 10 to 126 μg·m−3, while the concentrations of PCDD/Fs in PM2.5 ranged from 58 to 2625 fg·m−3. The concentration of PM2.5 during winter (11-126 μg·m−3) was higher than that during summer (10-60 μg·m−3). The concentration range of PCDD/Fs in winter was from 58 to 2625 fg·m−3, which corresponded to a range of toxic equivalent quantity (WHO-TEQ) concentration from 2.99 to 40.97 fg·m−3 when taking World Health Organization's toxic equivalency factor (WHO-TEQ); the concentration range of PCDD/Fs in summer was from 72 to 446 fg·m−3, which corresponded to a range of WHO-TEQ concentration from 2.66 to 16.61 fg·m−3. This range in summer was significantly lower than that observed in winter. The results of principal component analysis revealed that waste incineration was the primary source of PCDD/Fs in winter PM2.5 in the area, whereas traffic emissions emerged as the main source in summer. The assessment of Pudong residents' respiratory exposure to PCDD/Fs in PM2.5 showed significantly higher exposure of children in summer and winter than that of adults, indicating higher susceptibility of children to air pollutants. Both the hazard ratios (HR) for children and adults were below 1, while the cancer risks (CR) ranged from 8.41×10−8 to 2.35×10−6. Notably, during winter, the CR at 4 locations slightly exceeds 1×10−6, indicating a potential carcinogenic risk. Conclusion The overall pollution level of PCDD/Fs in PM2.5 in Pudong area is relatively low, but it shows clear seasonal patterns. Waste incineration and traffic are the main sources of PCDD/Fs in PM2.5 in the area. Although the cancer risk of exposure to PCDD/Fs in PM2.5 for children or adults is relatively low, there is a certain risk at some locations in winter, necessitating additional monitoring and control.

Concentration and risk assessment of nonylphenol in three types of drinking water sources in Hubei Province / 环境与职业医学

Background Nonylphenol (NP) is a typical phenolic endocrine disruptor, and there are significant differences in NP concentration in different regions and water types. Objective To investigate the concentration of NP in three types (river, lake, and reservoir) of water sources in Hubei Province, and assess its ecological risk and population health risk. Methods Fifteen sampling points were set up at four river water sources (Liangtingshan Waterworks, Baishazhou Waterworks, Dijiao Waterworks, and Zongguan Waterworks), one lake water source (Liangzi Lake), and one reservoir water source (Fushui Reservoir). Water samples were collected from the 15 sampling points in June 2019 (wet season), October 2019 (level season), and December 2019 (dry season), respectively. The NP concentration in water samples was detected using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and the differences in NP concentration among groups were compared using variance analysis. The ecological risk and the health risk of NP were evaluated using risk quotient (RQ) and non-carcinogenic risk index (NCRI), respectively. Results The detection rate of NP was 100%, with an average concentration of (18.10±15.00) ng·L−1 (5.45-92.71 ng·L−1). The average concentrations of NP during the level, wet, and dry seasons were (11.52±5.31) ng·L−1, (23.86±22.08) ng·L−1, and (18.93±9.51) ng·L−1, respectively, and the maximum concentrations were 24.62 ng·L−1, 92.71 ng·L−1, and 42.38 ng·L−1, respectively. The variance analysis showed no statistical difference in the NP concentration in the samples from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in different periods (P>0.05). Only the water samples from the water source serving the Zongguan Waterworks showed an RQ (0.19) greater than 0.1 during the wet season, indicating a moderate risk. The RQ values of other water samples were all less than 0.1, indicating an overall relatively low ecological risk. The highest NCRI values during the level, wet, and dry seasons were 0.1459, 0.5492, and 0.2511, respectively, all less than 1, indicating an acceptable health risk level. Conclusion The NP concentrations in all water sources in this study are at a relatively low level, which poses an acceptable risk level to human health.

Research progress on occupational hazards in lithium battery industry and their health risks / 环境与职业医学

Lithium batteries are widely used in energy storage, power, and other fields due to their advantages such as high performance and low cost. With the rapid development of the lithium battery industry, its production is constantly growing. However, the identification of occupational hazards and assessment of their health risks in lithium battery industry has rarely been reported. The composition of lithium batteries is complex and involves large numbers of compounds. Besides the traditional occupational hazards, workers may be exposed to many emerging chemicals throughout the production of raw materials, assembly and disassembly of lithium batteries. Therefore, this paper introduced the process chain of lithium battery production, analyzed the underlying occupational hazards in the industry, reviewed the health impacts of typical occupational hazards, and proposed the future research needs according to the current status of research on occupational exposure and health hazards in the lithium battery industry.

Health risk assessment of drinking water in Ningbo City / 预防医学

Objective@#To evaluate the health risk of drinking water in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province from 2021 to 2022, so as to provide insights into ensuring the safety of drinking water.@*Methods@#The monitoring data of drinking water from 2021 to 2022 in Ningbo City were collected from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The routine indicators and disinfectant indicators (radioactivity indicators were excluded) of drinking water were evaluated according to the reference limits issued by Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB 5749-2006), and the qualification rates were calculated. The indicators with detection rate higher than 50% were selected, and assessed the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks via drinking water using the risk assessment model recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.@*Results@#A total of 1 678 samples were monitored in Ningbo City from 2021 to 2022. Sodium hypochlorite was the main disinfectant among 1 558 samples from centralized water supply (1 079 samples, 64.30%), and none of the 120 samples from decentralized water supply underwent disinfection treatment. The qualification rate of 88.38%, and the pollutants with a detection rate higher than 50% were nitrate, fluoride, trichloromethane and aluminum. The median carcinogenic risk value of trichloromethane was 2.964×10-6 (interquartile range, 3.909×10-6), and the median hazard quotient values of nitrate, fluoride, trichloromethane and aluminum were 1.631×10-2 (interquartile range, 1.361×10-2), 3.955×10-2 (3.164×10-2), 2.231×10-2 (2.942×10-2) and 2.136×10-4 (6.573×10-4), respectively.@*Conclusion@#The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks through drinking water for 17 pollutants in drinking water of Ningbo City from 2021 to 2022 were at low levels.

Association between latent class of health-risk behaviors and depressive symptoms among middle school students / 预防医学

Objective@#To analyze the association between latent class of health-risk behaviors and depressive symptoms among middle school students, so as to provide the evidence for the prevention and intervention of depressive symptoms among middle school students.@*Methods@#Students in two junior high schools, two senior high schools and one vocational high school in Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, were selected using a stratified multi-stage cluster sampling method. Demography and health-risk behaviors were collected using questionnaire surveys, depressive symptoms were investigated using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression-10 Scale, and latent class analysis was conducted for health-risk behaviors. The association between different latent classes and depressive symptoms was analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.@*Results@#A total of 1 247 students were surveyed, including 641 boys (51.40%) and 606 girls (48.60%). There were 452 junior high school students (36.25%), 532 high school students (42.66%) and 263 vocational high school students (21.09%). Latent class analysis showed that health-risk behaviors in students were classified into three groups, namely healthy behavior group (52.93%), poor diet group (39.94%) and high-risk behavior group (7.14%), and the detection rates of depressive symptoms were 7.12%, 18.88% and 52.81%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between groups (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, gender, native place, only child and living on campus, the poor diet group (OR=3.107, 95%CI: 2.086-4.627) and high-risk behavior group (OR=15.401, 95%CI: 9.031-26.262) had higher risks of depressive symptoms compared with the healthy behavior group.@*Conclusion@#Having high-risk behaviors and poor diet may increase the risk of developing depressive symptoms among middle school students.

Study on the role of nano antibacterial materials in orthodontics (a review)

Abstract Nanoparticles (NPs) are insoluble particles with a diameter of fewer than 100 nanometers. Two main methods have been utilized in orthodontic therapy to avoid microbial adherence or enamel demineralization. Certain NPs are included in orthodontic adhesives or acrylic resins (fluorohydroxyapatite, fluorapatite, hydroxyapatite, SiO2, TiO2, silver, nanofillers), and NPs (i.e., a thin layer of nitrogen-doped TiO2 on the bracket surfaces) are coated on the surfaces of orthodontic equipment. Although using NPs in orthodontics may open up modern facilities, prior research looked at antibacterial or physical characteristics for a limited period of time, ranging from one day to several weeks, and the limits of in vitro studies must be understood. The long-term effectiveness of nanotechnology-based orthodontic materials has not yet been conclusively confirmed and needs further study, as well as potential safety concerns (toxic effects) associated with NP size.

Resumo Nanopartículas (NPs) são partículas insolúveis com diâmetro inferior a 100 nanômetros. Dois métodos principais têm sido utilizados na terapia ortodôntica para evitar a aderência microbiana ou a desmineralização do esmalte: NPs são incluídas em adesivos ortodônticos ou resinas acrílicas (fluoro-hidroxiapatita, fluorapatita, hidroxiapatita, SiO2, TiO2, prata, nanopreenchimentos) e NPs são revestidas nas superfícies de equipamentos ortodônticos, ou seja, uma camada fina de TiO2 dopado com nitrogênio nas superfícies do braquete. Embora o uso de NPs em ortodontia possa tornar acessível modernos recursos, pesquisas anteriores analisaram as características antibacterianas ou físicas por um período limitado de tempo, variando de 24 horas a várias semanas, por isso devem ser compreendidos os limites dos estudos in vitro. A eficácia de longo prazo de materiais ortodônticos com base em nanotecnologia ainda não foi confirmada de forma conclusiva, o que exige mais estudos, bem como potenciais preocupações de segurança (efeitos tóxicos) associadas ao tamanho da NP.

Study on the role of nano antibacterial materials in orthodontics (a review) / Estudo sobre o papel dos materiais nanoantibacterianos na ortodontia

Nanoparticles (NPs) are insoluble particles with a diameter of fewer than 100 nanometers. Two main methods have been utilized in orthodontic therapy to avoid microbial adherence or enamel demineralization. Certain NPs are included in orthodontic adhesives or acrylic resins (fluorohydroxyapatite, fluorapatite, hydroxyapatite, SiO2, TiO2, silver, nanofillers), and NPs (i.e., a thin layer of nitrogen-doped TiO2 on the bracket surfaces) are coated on the surfaces of orthodontic equipment. Although using NPs in orthodontics may open up modern facilities, prior research looked at antibacterial or physical characteristics for a limited period of time, ranging from one day to several weeks, and the limits of in vitro studies must be understood. The long-term effectiveness of nanotechnology-based orthodontic materials has not yet been conclusively confirmed and needs further study, as well as potential safety concerns (toxic effects) associated with NP size.

Nanopartículas (NPs) são partículas insolúveis com diâmetro inferior a 100 nanômetros. Dois métodos principais têm sido utilizados na terapia ortodôntica para evitar a aderência microbiana ou a desmineralização do esmalte: NPs são incluídas em adesivos ortodônticos ou resinas acrílicas (fluoro-hidroxiapatita, fluorapatita, hidroxiapatita, SiO2, TiO2, prata, nanopreenchimentos) e NPs são revestidas nas superfícies de equipamentos ortodônticos, ou seja, uma camada fina de TiO2 dopado com nitrogênio nas superfícies do braquete. Embora o uso de NPs em ortodontia possa tornar acessível modernos recursos, pesquisas anteriores analisaram as características antibacterianas ou físicas por um período limitado de tempo, variando de 24 horas a várias semanas, por isso devem ser compreendidos os limites dos estudos in vitro. A eficácia de longo prazo de materiais ortodônticos com base em nanotecnologia ainda não foi confirmada de forma conclusiva, o que exige mais estudos, bem como potenciais preocupações de segurança (efeitos tóxicos) associadas ao tamanho da NP.

Risk Perceptions Regarding COVID-19 and Compliance with Protective Measures of Midwifery and Nursing Senior Students / Percepções de Risco Relacionadas à COVID-19 e Cumprimento de Medidas de Proteção de Estudantes Séniores de Obstetrícia e Enfermagem / Percepciones de Riesgo con respecto a COVID-19 y Cumplimiento de Medidas de Protección en Estudiantes Seniors de Obstetricia y Enfermería

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to examine the risk perceptions of midwifery and nursing senior students regarding COVID-19 and compliance with vaccination and protective measures. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two academic years on senior midwifery and nursing students (n = 358). In the present study, the descriptive characteristics of the students and the COVID-19 risk perception scale were used. Results: The students' COVID-19 Risk Perception Scale scores were at a moderate level and a similar level in both years of this study. More than 80% of the students were fully vaccinated, and the family history of COVID-19 was positive in approximately half of them. In the second year of the pandemic, they paid less attention to social distance and avoidance of being indoors. Conclusion: Although the COVID-19 risk perceptions of future health professional students remained at a similar level during the examined period, it was found that in the second year of the pandemic, they started to get used to the process and paid less attention to social protective measures.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo examinar as percepções de risco de estudantes sêniores de obstetrícia e enfermagem em relação à COVID-19 e o cumprimento das medidas de vacinação e proteção. Método: Este estudo transversal foi realizado ao longo de dois anos acadêmicos com estudantes sêniores de obstetrícia e enfermagem (n = 358). No presente estudo, foram utilizadas as características descritivas dos estudantes e a escala de percepção de risco da COVID-19. Resultados: As pontuações dos estudantes na Escala de Percepção de Risco da COVID-19 situaram-se num nível moderado e semelhante em ambos os anos do estudo. Mais de 80% dos estudantes estavam totalmente vacinados, e aproximadamente metade deles tinha histórico familiar de COVID-19. No segundo ano da pandemia, prestaram menos atenção ao distanciamento social e aos hábitos de evitar permanência em espaços fechados. Conclusão: Embora as percepções de risco da COVID-19 dos futuros profissionais de saúde tenham permanecido em níveis semelhantes durante o período examinado, verificou-se que, no segundo ano da pandemia, começaram a acostumar-se com o processo e prestaram menos atenção às medidas de proteção social.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como objetivo examinar las percepciones de riesgo de los estudiantes seniors de obstetricia y enfermería con respecto a COVID-19 y su cumplimiento con la vacunación y las medidas de protección. Método: Este estudio transversal se llevó a cabo en dos años académicos con estudiantes seniors de obstetricia y enfermería (n = 358). En el presente estudio, se utilizaron las características descriptivas de los estudiantes y la escala de percepción de riesgo de COVID-19. Resultados: Las puntuaciones en la Escala de Percepción de Riesgo de COVID-19 de los estudiantes estaban en un nivel moderado y similar en ambos años de este estudio. Más del 80% de los estudiantes estaban completamente vacunados y la historia familiar de COVID-19 fue positiva en aproximadamente la mitad de ellos. En el segundo año de la pandemia, prestaron menos atención a la distancia social y a evitar estar en interiores. Conclusión: Aunque las percepciones de riesgo de COVID-19 de los futuros profesionales de la salud se mantuvieron en un nivel similar durante el período examinado, se encontró que en el segundo año de la pandemia, empezaron a acostumbrarse al proceso y prestaron menos atención a las medidas de protección social.

Molecular detection of IL-10 level to determine severity of periodontitis in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients / Detecção molecular do nível de IL-10 para determinar a gravidade da periodontite em pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2

Objective: The prevalence of periodontal disease is increasing in most countries including developing and developed countries. It affects 20-50-% of the global population. Patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) with severe periodontal disease had a 3.2 times higher risk of death than individuals without periodontitis. Periodontitis contributes to small-scale systemic inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine the severity of periodontitis using IL-10 (Interleukin-10) level in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: This study was cross-sectional. All methods were performed following the guidelines and regulations of the Ethics Committee, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. The samples were 90 subjects. The instruments used were questionnaires, periodontal status measurements based on Community Periodontal Index (CPI), and random blood glucose measurements. Data on the IL-10 level was obtained using Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF). Results: There was a significant difference in lifestyle in each group. The highest IL-10 level was found in the periodontitis group, followed by the periodontitis with the type 2 DM group. Conclusion: The level of IL-10 can be used to determine periodontitis severity in type 2 DM. Most respondents with the highest level of IL-10 were found in periodontitis followed by periodontitis with type 2 DM group. High levels of IL-10 will decrease the synthesis of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-1 (IL-1), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), activation of macrophages, and Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) (AU)

Objetivo: A prevalência da doença periodontal tem aumentado na maioria dos países, incluindo países em desenvolvimento e desenvolvidos, Afetando 20-50% da população global. Pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (DM) com doença periodontal grave apresentaram risco 3,2 vezes maior de morte do que indivíduos sem periodontite. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a gravidade da periodontite utilizando o nível de IL-10 (Interleucina-10) no diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Materiais e Métodos: Este estudo transversalfoi realizadoseguindo as orientações e regulamentos do Comitê de Ética da Faculdade de Medicina Dentária da Universitas Airlangga. Noventa participantes,responderam um questionário e foram examinados , para o estado periodontal, baseadas no Índice Periodontal Comunitário (IPC) e medidas aleatórias de glicemia. Os dados do nível de IL-10 foram obtidos utilizando Fluido Crevicular Gengival (GCF). Resultados: Houve uma diferença significativa no estilo de vida em cada grupo. O nível mais alto de IL-10 foi encontrado no grupo com periodontite, seguido pela periodontite com o grupo DM tipo 2. Conclusão: O nível de IL-10 pode ser utilizado para determinar a gravidade da periodontite no DM tipo 2. A maioria dos participantes com maior nível de IL-10 estava no grupo periodontite seguida de periodontite com DM tipo 2. Altos níveis de IL-10 diminuiem a síntese do Fator de Necrose Tumoral Alfa (TNF-α), Interleucina-1 (IL-1), Interleucina-6 (IL-6), ativação de macrófagos e neutrófilos polimorfonucleares (PMN) (AU)

Análise da situação sanitária dos serviços de saúde no estado de Minas Gerais / Analysis of the health situation of health services in the state of Minas Gerais

Os serviços de saúde avançaram nas últimas décadas com relação aos requisitos de qualidade e segurança. Por serem considerados de grande relevância pública, torna-se necessário conhecer e traçar o panorama dos riscos sanitários identificados em serviços de saúde que impactam a situação de saúde em âmbito territorial. O presente estudo teve como objetivo geral analisar a situação sanitária dos serviços de saúde localizados no estado de Minas Gerais no período de 2020 a 2022. Foi desenvolvido estudo transversal, descritivo e analítico, de abordagem quantitativa, utilizando-se dados secundários armazenados pela Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Minas Gerais (SES-MG) por meio do instrumento de notificação de risco ­ Vigi-Risco da área de serviços de saúde e indicadores de acesso público. A análise comparativa dos dados foi realizada por meio do Teste qui quadrado a um nível de significância de 5% para verificar a existência de associação entre a variável dependente risco sanitário e as variáveis: natureza do estabelecimento, porte populacional, Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal, Produto Interno Bruto e Índice Mineiro de Responsabilidade Social - dimensão saúde. Foi utilizado o coeficiente phi para verificar a intensidade da associação entre as variáveis. Os resultados demonstraram que do total de n=102.733 notificações em serviços de saúde no período analisado, 13.353 (13%) foram considerados como estabelecimentos que podem gerar risco à saúde; as não conformidades mais comumente encontradas foram nas áreas de documentação/ garantia da qualidade (n=48.337; 35,47%) e estrutura física (n=27.370; 20,09%); os fatos geradores de inspeção mais frequentes foram solicitação de renovação de alvará sanitário (n=52.190; 47,79%) e interesse da vigilância sanitária (n=28.136; 25,77%); e as ações mais relevantes adotadas pelo poder público foram orientação (n=58.115; 58,94%) e notificação (n=38.546; 39,09%). Na distribuição espacial, o risco sanitário está majoritariamente concentrado nas Macrorregiões de Saúde Centro e Triângulo Norte (>20%) e de forma menos relevante na Macrorregião Leste do Sul (<5%). O estudo demonstrou, com nível de confiança de 95%, que existe associação (fraca) entre o risco sanitário e as variáveis analisadas (p<0,05), exceto para a variável porte populacional, em que não foi observada associação estatisticamente significativa entre municípios de pequeno porte e risco sanitário. Conclui-se que a maioria dos serviços de saúde inspecionados seguiu os padrões sanitários legalmente previstos. Portanto, a situação sanitária de Minas Gerais, em geral, é positiva no período analisado, tendo em vista a identificação de baixo percentual de serviços de saúde que podem gerar risco à saúde da população. A pesquisa é de alta relevância acadêmica, pois, a literatura ainda carece de pesquisas acerca da situação sanitária nos serviços de saúde no Brasil. O objeto de pesquisa representa um importante campo analítico da Política Nacional de Vigilância em Saúde no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde. Como produto técnico, será entregue à SES-MG um painel de dados técnicos ilustrados por meio do software Power BI.

Health services have advanced in recent decades in terms of quality and safety requirements. As they are considered to be of great public relevance, it is necessary to know and outline the panorama of health risks identified in health services that impact the health situation at a territorial level. The present study had the general objective of analyzing the health situation of health services located in the state of Minas Gerais from 2020 to 2022. A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was developed, with a quantitative approach, using secondary data stored by the Minas Gerais State Department of Health (SES-MG) through the risk notification instrument - Vigi-Risco in the area of health services and public access indicators. The comparative analysis of the data was performed using the chi-square test at a significance level of 5% to verify the existence of an association between the dependent variable health risk and the variables: nature of the establishment, population size, Municipal Human Development Index, Gross Domestic Product and Minas Gerais Social Responsibility Index - health dimension. The phi coefficient was used to verify the intensity of the association between the variables. The results showed that of the total of n=102,733 notifications in health services in the period analyzed, 13,353 (13%) were considered as establishments that could generate health risks; the most commonly found nonconformities were in the areas of documentation/quality assurance (n=48,337; 35.47%) and physical structure (n=27,370; 20.09%); the most frequent facts generating inspection were requests for renewal of health licenses (n=52,190; 47.79%) and interest of health surveillance (n=28,136; 25.77%); and the most relevant actions adopted by the government were guidance (n=58,115; 58.94%) and notification (n=38,546; 39.09%). In spatial distribution, the health risk is mostly concentrated in the Central and Northern Triangle Health Macroregions (>20%) and less relevantly in the Eastern South Macroregion (<5%). The study demonstrated, with a 95% confidence level, that there is a (weak) association between the health risk and the variables analyzed (p<0.05), except for the population size variable, in which no statistically significant association was observed between small municipalities and health risk. It is concluded that the majority of the inspected health services followed the legally established health standards. Therefore, the health situation in Minas Gerais, in general, is positive in the period analyzed, considering the identification of a low percentage of health services that can generate risk to the health of the population. The research is of high academic relevance, since the literature still lacks research on the health situation in health services in Brazil. The research object represents an important analytical field of the National Health Surveillance Policy within the scope of the Unified Health System. As a technical product, a technical data panel illustrated by means of the Power BI software will be delivered to SES-MG.

Early Use of Alcohol: Correlation with School Violence and Social-Emotional Skills / Uso Precoce do Álcool: Correlação com Violência Escolar e Competências Socioemocionais

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the association between early alcohol use in adolescence and associated factors: sociodemographic, involvement in bullying, risk behaviors at school, and social-emotional skills. It was carried out with 528 adolescents from full-time public high schools. Instruments: sociodemographic questionnaire, AUDIT, Victimization Scale among Students, Scale of Authorship of Student Violence, Risk Behavior Scale, and SENNA. In the final model, the variables with a significant association with early alcohol use by adolescents were: not having a religion (PR = 1.28, 95% CI [1.02, 1.60]), parental alcohol consumption (PR = 1.55, 95% CI [1.22, 1.97]), bullying (PR = 1.51, 95% CI [1.14, 1.98]), smoking at school (PR = 1.74, 95% CI [1.36, 2.24]), high engagement with others (PR = 2.59, 95% CI [1.40, 4.79]), and low emotional resilience (PR = 2.16, 95% CI [1.16, 4.03]), all indicating risk.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar a associação entre o uso precoce de álcool na adolescência e fatores associados: sociodemográficos, envolvimento em bullying, comportamentos de risco na escola e competências socioemocionais. Foi realizado com 528 adolescentes de escolas públicas de Ensino Médio de tempo integral. Instrumentos: questionário sociodemográfico, AUDIT, Escala de Vitimização entre Alunos, Escala de Autoria de Violência a Alunos, Escala de Comportamentos de Risco e o SENNA. No modelo final, as variáveis com associação significativa foram: não ter uma religião (RP = 1,28; IC 95% [1,02; 1,60]), consumo de álcool dos pais (RP = 1,55; IC 95% [1,22; 1,97]), autoria de bullying (RP = 1,51; IC 95% [1,14; 1,98]), fumar na escola (RP = 1,74; IC 95% [1,36; 2,24]), alto engajamento com outros (RP = 2,59; IC 95% [1,40; 4,79]) e baixa resiliência emocional (RP = 2,16; IC 95% [1,16; 4,03]), todas indicando risco.

REVISIÓN NARRATIVA: AUTOMEDICACIÓN EN ESTUDIANTES DEL ÁREA DE LA SALUD RELACIONADO CON SALUD MENTAL EN PANDEMIA COVID-19, 2020 - 2022 / NARRATIVE REVIEW: SELF-MEDICATION IN STUDENTS OF THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS AS RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, 2020-2022

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se ha observado desde el inicio de la pandemia cómo ha evolucionado y deteriorado la salud de los estudiantes principalmente en carreras del área de la salud, llevando a una parte de ellos a la automedicación OBJETIVO: Analizar la evidencia científica respecto a la automedicación en estudiantes del área de la salud en relación a problemas de salud mental en la pandemia COVID-19. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una revisión narrativa, la investigación se realizó desde abril hasta diciembre del año 2022, los textos incluidos fueron en idioma español, inglés y portugués. Se utilizaron 4 bases de datos. RESULTADOS: 4 artículos fueron identificados y rescatados, 3 latinoamericanos en específico todos de Brasil y un asiático, de universidades tanto públicas como privadas, todas las investigaciones tuvieron el denominador común COVID-19 y su correlación con automedicación solo en estudiantes universitarios del área de la salud, todas publicadas solo entre 2020 y 2022. CONCLUSIONES: Las carreras del ámbito de la salud que más se automedicaron son en orden: medicina, enfermería y farmacia. Los fármacos más utilizados fueron: ansiolíticos, antidepresivos e hipnóticos. Los trastornos de salud mental más evidenciados para la automedicación fueron ansiedad, depresión, alteración en los patrones del sueño, estrés, miedo, crisis de angustia, confusión, impotencia e ira, todas como efectos pandémicos. La automedicación es más frecuente a medida que los estudiantes van avanzando en su formación académica. Factores para la automedicación fueron problemas en el ámbito socioeconómico-familiar, falta de acceso a internet, falta de actividades prácticas, posible contagio.

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the pandemic, it has been observed that the health of students, especially those in health-related careers, has evolved and deteriorated, leading some to self-medication OBJECTIVE: To analyze the scientific evidence regarding self-medication of students in the health professions, in relation to mental health problems associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: A narrative review was conducted; the research was carried out from April to December 2022 based on texts in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. 4 databases were used. RESULTS: 4 articles were identified and selected: 3 from Latin America, specifically from Brazil, and one Asian. The articles were from both public and private universities. All the investigations had the common denominator of COVID-19 and its correlation with self-medication in university students from the health professions. All were published between 2020 and 2022. CONCLUSIONS: The health professions careers that include the most self-medicating students are, in order, medicine, nursing and pharmacy. The drugs most used for self-medication are anxiolytics, antidepressants, and hypnotics. The most common mental health disorders for self-medication are anxiety, depression, altered sleep patterns, stress, fear, panic attacks, confusion, impotence, and anger; all as pandemic effects. Self-medication is more common as students' progress in their academic training. Factors for self-medication include problems in the socioeconomic-family environment, lack of internet access, lack of practical activities, and possible contagion.

Knowledge and perceptions on the existence of Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Centers and associated factors among Brazilian LGBT+ individuals / Conhecimento e percepções sobre a existência dos Centros de Testagem e Aconselhamento (CTA) e fatores associados em pessoas LGBT+ brasileiras

Abstract In Brazil, the advent of voluntary and counseling testing (VCT) has provided many benefits in the fight against AIDS. A sectional open web survey was conducted to investigate the Brazilian LGBT+ individuals' knowledge and perceptions of the existence of VCT centers and their associations with risk behavior and other variables of interest. The study instrument included questions on sociodemographic and behavioral variables, knowledge on VCT, access to and use of it, beliefs about HIV infection, test results, and risk perception. The Risk Behavior Score for HIV infection (RBS) was also used. A total of 1,630 volunteers participated in the survey, of whom 56.8% were men. Of these, 96.1% declared themselves as (MSM). Almost 50% of the participants had never heard about the existence of VCT, which was a higher knowledge score among MSM. A low frequency of participants had a clear perception of the risks to which they are exposed, whereas those with higher RBS were aware of the existence of VCT. As VCT is critical for the implementation of policies to combat and prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, our results can contribute to a better understanding of the influence of VCT on the frequency of testing, serological surveillance, and routine counseling for key populations.

Resumo No Brasil, o advento dos centros de testagem e aconselhamento (CTA) trouxe muitos benefícios na luta contra a Aids. Um estudo transversal do tipo web survey foi realizado para investigar o conhecimento e as percepções dos indivíduos LGBT+ brasileiros sobre a existência dos CTAs e suas associações com comportamentos de risco e outras variáveis de interesse. O questionário incluiu questões sociodemográficas e comportamentais, conhecimento sobre o CTA, acesso e uso, crenças sobre a infecção pelo HIV, resultados de testes e percepção de risco. O escore de comportamento de risco (RBS) também foi utilizado. Participaram 1.630 voluntários (56,8% homens). Destes, 96,1% se autodeclararam homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH). Quase 50% dos participantes não conhecem os CTAs, sendo este conhecimento maior entre os HSHs. Uma baixa frequência de participantes tem percepção clara dos riscos a que estão expostos, e os HSHs com maior pontuação no RBS estão cientes da existência dos CTAs, que são fundamentais na implementação de políticas de combate e prevenção ao HIV e outras doenças sexualmente transmissíveis. Nossos resultados contribuem para a melhor compreensão da sua influência na frequência de testagem, na vigilância do status sorológico e no aconselhamento em populações-chave.