Primary resistance of HIV to antiretrovirals among individuals recently diagnosed at voluntary counselling and testing centres in the metropolitan region of Recife, Pernambuco.

Determining the prevalence and type of antiretroviral (ARV) resistance among ARV-naïve individuals is important to assess the potential responses of these individuals to first-line regimens. The prevalence of primary resistance and the occurrence of recent infections among individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) were identified among recently diagnosed patients at five sexually transmitted disease/AIDS testing and counselling centres in the metropolitan region of Recife (RMR), Pernambuco, Brazil, between 2007-2009. One-hundred and eight samples were analysed using the Calypte® BED assay. Males predominated (56%), as did patients aged 31-50 years. Twenty-three percent presented evidence of a recent HIV infection. The median CD4+ T lymphocyte count was 408 cells/mm³ and the median viral load was 3.683 copies/mL. The prevalence of primary resistance was 4.6% (confidence interval 95% = 1-8.2%) based on criteria that excluded common polymorphisms in accordance with the surveillance drug resistance mutation criteria. The prevalence of resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase, nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors were 3.8%, 1.5% and 0.8%, respectively. Fifty-seven percent of strains were from clade B, 37.7% were clade F and 3.1% were clade C; there were no statistically significant differences with respect to resistance between clades. Recent infection tended to be more common in men (p = 0.06) and in municipalities in the south of the RMR (Jaboatão dos Guararapes and Cabo de Santo Agostinho) (p = 0.046). The high prevalence of recent infection and the high prevalence of non-B strains in this poor Brazilian region merit further attention.

Perception of discrimination due to sexual orientation and associated factors among men who have sex with men in 12 Brazilian cities.

Discrimination due to sexual orientation (DDSO) has an important association with health outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to analyze factors associated with DDSO among MSM in 12 Brazilian cities. This is a cross-sectional study with 4,176 MSM participants recruited in 2016 which used a respondent-driven sampling method in 12 Brazilian cities. DDSO levels were previously identified by a latent class analysis based on 13 variables from the discrimination section. An ordinal logistic regression was used to assess associations with these DDSO levels, and weighted ordinal odds ratios (OR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using Gile's estimator. Most participants were young (< 25 years old) black or of mixed-race (pardo), single individuals who had a religious affiliation, primary or incomplete secondary education, and a high and average socioeconomic status. More than half (65%) reported DDSO in the 12 months prior to this study. We observed an independent association among the four latent DDSO classes and the following variables: age < 25 years old (OR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.21-2.27), white skin color (OR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.02-2.01), history of sexual (OR = 2.33; 95%CI: 1.58-3.43) and physical violence (OR = 3.08; 95%CI: 2.11-4.49), disclosure of their sexual orientation as MSM to their fathers (OR = 2.00; 95%CI: 1.47-2.72), experienced suicidal ideation in the two weeks prior to this study (OR = 2.09; 95%CI: 1.46-2.98), and use of any illicit drugs in the last six months (OR = 1.61; 95%CI: 1.19-2.18). Our results indicate that contextual factors may contribute to high DDSO levels among MSM in Brazil. Public health policies toward human rights surveillance and protection among MSM must be urgently addressed.

Association between alcohol and crack: Prevalence, effects, associated factors and experiences of combined use.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with the effect of alcohol on crack cocaine use and to analyze experiences related to combined use. Materials and methods: sequential mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) research, carried out between August 2014 and August 2015 with people who use crack. In the quantitative approach, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,062 participants. Factors associated with "alcohol use with the effect of increasing the effect of crack/crack craving" were estimated by multiple regression. In the qualitative approach, 39 interviews were conducted using Bardin's content analysis technique. RESULTS: 871 (82.0%) participants reported consuming alcohol, among them, 668 (76.7%) used alcohol combined with crack: 219 (32.8%) reported feeling an effect of reduction in paranoia and/or crack craving and 384 (57.5%) reported feeling an increase in the effect of crack and in the craving to consume the drug. This relationship was also observed in the narratives of the people who use crack, with the possibility of a cyclic effect of consumption of the two substances. Those who related alcohol use to the effect of increasing crack craving (384) were more likely to use alcohol before crack (OR: 1.81; 95%CI: 1.13-2.89); to consume more than 20 stones daily (OR: 1.48; 95%CI: 1.01-2.16); to remain in abstinence from crack for less than one month (OR: 3.20; 95%CI: 1.91-5.35); to use dependence treatment services (OR: 1.85; 95%CI: 1.26-2.71); and to commit physical violence (OR:1.67; 95%CI:1.08-2.56). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that the modulation of the effect of alcohol use on crack cocaine depends on the moment when the drugs are consumed, and the use of alcohol before crack consumption is associated with characteristics that suggest a greater vulnerability to patterns of harmful crack use. Even though combined use is referred to as a way of reducing the negative effects of crack, the damage of this association may be greater than its possible benefits.

Reassessing geographic bottlenecks in a respondent-driven sampling based multicity study in Brazil.

This study analyzes the spatial dynamics of drug users' recruitment chains in the context of a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) study in the city of Recife, Brazil. The purpose is to understand the geographic bottlenecks, influenced by social geography, which have been a major challenge for RDS-based studies. Temporo-spatial analysis was used. Sequential maps depicted the dynamics of the recruiting process, considering neighborhood of residence and/or places of drug use. Poisson regression was fitted to model the recruiting rate by neighborhood of residence and/or places of drug use, and the different neighborhoods' demographics. The distance between neighborhood of residence and/or places of drug use and the assessment center was negatively associated with recruitment. There was a positive association between the proportion of the population living in informal settings and the recruiting rate per neighborhood of residence and/or places of drug use. Recruitment chains depend on the social geography and demographics of the population. Studies should incorporate seeds from as many neighborhoods as possible, and more than one assessment center should be utilized.

Se analiza la dinámica espacial de las cadenas de reclutamiento de consumidores de drogas en un estudio respondent-driven sampling (RDS) en la ciudad de Recife, Brasil. El propósito es comprender los cuellos de botella geográficos, influenciados por la geografía social, que han sido un gran desafío para los estudios basados en RDS. Se utilizó el análisis espacio-temporal. La dinámica del proceso de reclutamiento se presenta en mapas, teniendo en cuenta el barrio de residencia y/o los sitios de consumo de drogas. La regresión de Poisson se ajustó para modelar la tasa de reclutamiento por barrio de residencia y/o sitios de consumo de drogas y las características demográficas de los barrios. La distancia entre el barrio de residencia y/o los sitios de consumo de drogas y el centro de evaluación se asoció negativamente con el reclutamiento. Hubo una asociación positiva entre la proporción de la población que vive en entornos informales y la tasa de reclutamiento por barrio de residencia y/o sitios de consumo de drogas. Las cadenas de reclutamiento dependen de la geografía social y demográfica de la población. Los estudios deben incorporar semillas de reclutamiento de tantos barrios como sea posible, así como más de un centro de evaluación.

Factors associated with exchanging sex for money in men who have sex with men in Brazil. / Fatores associados à troca de sexo por dinheiro em homens que fazem sexo com homens no Brasil.

This study aimed to analyze the association between sociodemographic, programmatic and contextual factors and the receipt of money in exchange for sex among men who have sex with men (MSM). This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study conducted in ten Brazilian cities between 2008 and 2009. Adult MSM recruited through the Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) were interviewed. Weighted Odds Ratio (ORw) was obtained through logistic regression, retaining the variables associated with the event (p < 0.05) in the final model. Of the total sample, 33.3% reported receiving money in exchange for sex in the last 12 months before the interview. The variables that were independently associated with the event were age less than or equal to 25 years, lower education, lower social classes, previous history of syphilis, using sites or services to find sexual partners in the previous month, very high risk behavior, using illicit drugs in the previous six months, self-identifying as heterosexual or bisexual, having suffered physical violence due to sexual orientation and having suicidal thoughts always or most of the time. It was observed that MSM who received money in exchange for sex had greater socioeconomic, programmatic and contextual vulnerability, potentially increasing the risk of HIV infection than the other MSM in the sample.

Objetivou-se analisar a associação entre fatores sociodemográficos, programáticos e contextuais e ter recebido dinheiro em troca de sexo entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH). Estudo multicêntrico, transversal, realizado em 10 cidades brasileiras, entre 2008 e 2009. Foram entrevistados 3.749 HSH selecionados pela técnica amostral "Respondent Driven-Sampling" (RDS). "Odds Ratio" ponderado (ORp) foi obtido por meio de regressão logística, permanecendo no modelo final as variáveis associadas ao evento (p < 0,05). Da amostra total, 33,3% relataram ter recebido dinheiro em troca de sexo nos últimos 12 meses anteriores à entrevista. As variáveis associadas com o evento foram ter idade ≤ 25 anos, menor nível de escolaridade, classes sociais mais baixas, história prévia de infecção por sífilis, utilizar locais de encontros para ter parceiros sexuais, ter comportamento de risco para HIV muito alto e usar drogas ilícitas, se autoidentificarem como heterossexual ou bissexual, ter sofrido violência física devido à orientação sexual e apresentar ideação suicida sempre ou na maioria das vezes. Observa-se que os HSH que receberam dinheiro em troca de sexo apresentaram maior vulnerabilidade socioeconômica, programática e contextual, potencialmente aumentando o risco de infecção pelo HIV em relação aos demais HSH.

[The use of "virado" as a harm reduction strategy among crack users in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil]. / El uso de "virado" como estrategia de reducción de daños entre los usuarios de crack del estado de Pernambuco, Brasil.

The aim of the study is to discuss the use of crack in the form of "virado" as a harm reduction strategy in Pernambuco, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach in which semi-structured interviews were conducted regarding aspects related to the culture of crack use with 39 crack users between March and August 2016. Participants were recruited using saturation criteria and data were analyzed through content analysis. Respondents discussed the use of "virado" and compared its effects in relation to crack, addressing improvement in interpersonal relationships, libido, and non-compulsive drug use, which can all be understood as harm reduction strategies. On the other hand, equipment sharing for the use of "virado" was identified as a high-risk practice with regards to the transmission of infectious diseases. Knowing about the culture of crack use in different contexts is essential in order to plan and develop health care actions.

El objetivo del estudio es discutir uno de los usos del crack denominado "virado", como estrategia de reducción de daños entre las personas que usan crack en Pernambuco, Brasil. Se realizó una investigación cualitativa y transversal. Desde marzo hasta agosto de 2016, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas sobre la cultura del uso de crack a 39 personas que usan esta substancia. El límite de participantes se estableció por el criterio de saturación. Los datos se analizaron con la técnica de análisis de contenido. Las personas que participaron relataron que el virado es una manera distinta de utilizar el crack y, al comparar su efecto con el uso fumado o inhalado, mencionaron que el virado produce menos impacto en las relaciones interpersonales y en la libido, además de reducir el uso compulsivo de crack, cuestiones que se podrían considerar como estrategias de reducción de daños. Un aspecto negativo es que comparten los canutos para aspirar el virado, lo cual es una situación de riesgo para la transmisión de enfermedades infecciosas. Conocer la cultura del uso del crack en distintas formas y situaciones es imprescindible para la planificación y desarrollo de acciones de atención a la salud.

HIV testing coverage among female sex workers, Brazil, 2016.

INTRODUCTION: Knowing the factors associated with periodic HIV testing among female sex workers (FSW) is essential to expand testing coverage and to broaden programs of treatment as prevention. METHODS: We used data from 4,328 FSWs recruited by the respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method in 12 Brazilian cities in 2016. Data analysis considered the complex sampling design. The prevalence of HIV testing in the last year and periodic HIV test were estimated. Factors associated with regular HIV testing were identified through logistic regression models. RESULTS: The testing coverage in the last year was 39.3%. Only 13.5% of FSW reported having performed a periodic HIV test in the last year. Among the factors associated with the higher probability of HIV testing in the last year were a better level of education, living with a partner, working indoors, consistent use of condoms, and regular use of public and private health services stood out. DISCUSSION: Periodic HIV testing allows early diagnosis and immediate treatment of cases, reducing the chances of spreading the infection to the population. However, factors such as stigma and discrimination hinder the use of regular health services. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to expand awareness campaigns, especially among FSWs with low educational level and greater vulnerability, in order to broaden the perception of risk and the importance of periodic testing, in addition to encouraging regular health care.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS in northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) may lead to viral replication and development of antiretroviral resistance. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with nonadherence to ART among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a tertiary-level hospital in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: Intake of less than 90% of the antiretroviral drugs prescribed in the last week prior to the interview was defined as nonadherence. Intake was evaluated using a questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted on the study population, with estimation of the respective odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The prevalence of nonadherence was 28.4%. Significant associations were found regarding the following variables: age less than 35 years, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, lack of medication and lack of knowledge regarding the patient's HIV status, on the part of the patient's partner or family. CONCLUSIONS: Encouragement of adherence to antiretroviral therapy is one of the fundamental pillars of treatment for HIV-infected patients. The high proportion of nonadherence (28.4%) and the predictive factors related to this indicate that it is necessary to improve patients' adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

Incidence and spatial distribution of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia by regions of economic development in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The establishment of regional development poles in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil was characterized by industrial expansion and consequent concerns about the increase in the occurrence of diseases, specifically those having long latency periods, as is the case of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. METHODS: The study included 367 patients diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia over a ten-year period at a reference treatment center. Records of patient charts and the TerraView software were used, respectively, for data collection and geographic mapping of the cases from the twelve established State development regions. RESULTS: A total incidence of 3.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants was found, with a predominance of the disease among males, a median age of 47 years, a mestizo ethnicity, with elementary schooling and residence in urban area. Microregional incidence varied, but there was no significant variation in numbers over the years, and no relevant socio-environmental determinants were identified. CONCLUSION: The present study determined the incidence and characterized the spatial distribution of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia cases over a decade in a northeastern Brazilian state. The variation in the incidence rate by region of development is compatible with a homogeneous distribution of the cases. The work is a baseline study to be used for present and future analyses of the impact of the state economic development poles and the occurrence of this chronic malignant disease.

HIV/AIDS knowledge among MSM in Brazil: a challenge for public policies.

INTRODUCTION: High level of HIV/AIDS knowledge is required for an effective adoption of preventive strategies. OBJECTIVE: To assess HIV/AIDS knowledge among men who have sex with men (MSM) in 12 Brazilian cities. METHODS: Respondent-Driven Sampling method was used for recruitment. HIV/AIDS knowledge was assessed by Item Response Theory. Difficulty and discrimination parameters were estimated, and the knowledge score was categorized in three levels: high, medium, and low. Logistic regression was used for analysis. RESULTS: Among 4,176 MSM, the proportion of high level of knowledge was 23.7%. The following variables were positively associated with high knowledge (p < 0.05): age 25+ years old, 12+ years of schooling, white skin color, having health insurance, having suffered discrimination due to sexual orientation, having had a syphilis test, and having received educational material in the previous 12 months. Exchanging sex for money was negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of only 23.7% of high HIV/AIDS knowledge was low. We should note that the only potential source of knowledge acquisition associated with high level of knowledge was receiving educational materials. Our study indicates the need for expansion of public prevention policies focused on MSM and with more effective communication strategies, including the development of knowledge that involves motivation and abilities for a safer behavior.

Discrimination based on sexual orientation against MSM in Brazil: a latent class analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Discrimination based on sexual orientation can influence vulnerability to HIV, increasing exposure to risky sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM). OBJECTIVES: To analyze data using latent class analysis (LCA) to identify groups of individuals with specific patterns of discrimination based on sexual orientation (DSO). METHODS: Cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling in 12 Brazilian cities in 2016. LCA was used to characterize discrimination among MSM based on 13 variables in the survey questionnaire. The proportions of men reporting DSO and other variables of interest were estimated using Gile's Successive Sampling estimator. RESULTS: Most MSM were young, single, had a religion, had a high school or college degree, black or brown skin color, and socioeconomic status classified as average. More than half of the participants reported that they had been discriminated against during the last 12 months due to their sexual orientation (65%), more than a third said they had felt afraid of walking in public places during the past 12 months, and about one-fifth of participants reported having been victims of physical or sexual assault due to DSO. DSO was classified into four latent classes: "very high", "high", "moderate" and "low", with estimates of 2.2%, 16.4%, 35.1%, and 46.19%, respectively. CONCLUSION: We observed a high proportion of discrimination against MSM in this study. The use of LCA differentiated parsimoniously classes of discrimination.

The 12 city HIV Surveillance Survey among MSM in Brazil 2016 using respondent-driven sampling: a description of methods and RDS diagnostics.

INTRODUCTION: This paper details the methods used in the second national Biological and Behavioral Surveillance Survey (BBSS) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C among men who have sex with men in Brazil. METHODS: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used in 12 cities in 2016. The targeted sample size was initiated with five to six seeds in each city. HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C rapid tests were offered to participants. RDS Analyst with Gile's successive sampling (SS) estimator was used to adjust results as recommended and a weight for each individual was generated for further analysis. Data for the 12 cities were merged and analyzed using Stata 14.0 complex survey data tools with each city treated as its own stratum. RESULTS: Duration of data collection varied from 5.9 to 17.6 weeks. 4,176 men were recruited in the 12 cities. Two sites failed to achieve targeted sample size due to a six-month delay in local IRB approval. No city failed to reach convergence in our major outcome variable (HIV). CONCLUSION: The comprehensive BBSS was completed as planned and on budget. The description of methods here is more detailed than usual, due to new diagnostic tools and requirements of the new STROBE-RDS guidelines.

Incentives and barriers to HIV testing among female sex workers in Ceará.

OBJECTIVE: Estimating HIV prevalence and describing the incentives and barriers for HIV testing among female sex workers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 402 women aged 18 years or older, residing in Fortaleza, state of Ceará, Brazil, who reported having had sexual intercourse in exchange for money in last four months. The sample was recruited using Respondent Driven Sampling, between August and November 2010. RESULTS: The 84.1% of the sample tested and the estimated prevalence of HIV infection was 3.8%. The sample was young (25 to 39 years ), single (80.0%), with one to three children (83.6%), had eight or more years of schooling (65.7%), and belonged to social classes D/E (53.1%). The majority worked in fixed locations (bars, motels, hotels, sauna - 88.9%), and prostitution was their only source of income (54.1%). About 25% of the sample did not know where to test in the public health sector and 51.8% either never tested or hadn't tested for over a year or more. The main reported barriers to testing were the perceptions that there was no risk of becoming infected (24.1%), and, alternatively, fear of discrimination if the test was positive (20.5%). Incentives for testing were the greater availability of testing sites (57.0%) and health facilities with alternative schedules (44.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence for HIV was similar to that found in other Brazilian cities in different regions of the country, although higher than the general female population. Non-traditional venues not associated with the health system and availability of testing in health units during non-commercial hours are factors that encourage testing. Not considering oneself to be at risk, fear of being discriminated against and not knowing testing locations are barriers.

Breast cancer and covid-19: reduction in diagnosis and treatment in a Hospital Unit in Pernambuco / Câncer de mama e covid-19: redução no diagnóstico e tratamento em uma Unidade Hospitalar de Pernambuco

Abstract Objectives: to analyze the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. Method: cross-sectional study, based on secondary data from consultations with a mastologist, ultrasound, mammogram, biopsies, new cases, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, carried out in women for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, from January to December of the years 2019 to 2021. Results: the covid-19 pandemic reduced consultations with mastology (46.3%), ultrasounds (34.8%), mammogram (41.5%), biopsy (49.6%), new cases 45.7 % and surgery 34.6% in 2020 compared to 2019. On the other hand, with the exception of consultations with a mastologist and surgeries, all services where a significant reduction was observed in 2020, increased significantly in 2021 and returned to the same level of production in the pre-pandemic period. The pandemic did not negatively affect the supply of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Conclusions: the findings of this study indicate negative impacts on breast cancer care, due to covid-19, during the first year of the pandemic, especially in consultations with a mastologist and surgery, which continued with low production in 2021. It is reasonable to assume that the reduction observed in procedures may reflect an increase in late diagnoses and a higher mortality rate in the coming years

Resumo Objetivos: analisar o impacto da pandemia da covid-19 nos atendimentos para rastreamento, diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer de mama em Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil. Métodos: estudo transversal, com base em dados secundários de consultas com mastologista, ultrassonografia, mamografia, biópsias, casos novos, quimioterapia, radioterapia e cirurgia, realizadas em mulheres para o rastreamento, diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer de mama, de janeiro a dezembro dos anos 2019 a 2021. Resultados: a pandemia da covid-19 reduziu as consultas com a mastologia (46,3%), ultrassonografias (34,8%), mamografia (41,5%), biópsia (49,6%), casos novos 45,7% e cirurgia 34,6% no ano de 2020 em relação ao ano de 2019. Por outro lado, com exceção das consultas com mastologista e cirurgias, todos os serviços onde se observou redução significativa em 2020, aumentaram significativamente em 2021 e voltaram ao patamar de produção do período pré-pandemia. A pandemia não afetou negativamente a oferta de quimioterapia e radioterapia. Conclusões: os achados deste estudo apontam impactos negativos na atenção ao câncer de mama, em decorrência da covid-19, durante o primeiro ano da pandemia, sobretudo nas consultas com mastologista e cirurgia, que continuaram com baixa produção em 2021. É razoável supor que a redução constatada nos procedimentos poderá refletir em um aumento de diagnósticos tardios e maior taxa de mortalidades nos próximos anos.

Comparing HIV risk-related behaviors between 2 RDS national samples of MSM in Brazil, 2009 and 2016.

INTRODUCTION: Periodic monitoring of sociobehavior characteristics at a national level is an essential component of understanding the dynamics the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic worldwide, including Brazil. METHODS: This paper compares descriptive sociobehavior characteristics in 2 national cross-sectional HIV biological behavioral surveillance surveys (BBSS) conducted in 2009 and 2016 among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil. Respondent driven sampling (RDS) was used for recruitment in both years. Overall proportions were weighted according to Gile's estimator using RDS Analyst Software and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for comparisons between the 2 periods. Further comparisons were stratified by age groups (<25 and 25+ years old). RESULTS: Overall, 3749 and 4176 MSM were recruited in 2009 and 2016, respectively. In 2016, participants were younger than 25 years old (58.3%), with 12 or more years of education (70.4%), with higher socioeconomic status (40.7%), and had a higher proportion of whites (31.8%), as compared to 2009. Also, participants in 2016 reported less alcohol use and binge drinking, but used illicit drugs more frequently. There was an increase among MSM who self-reported their HIV risk as low and had low HIV knowledge while the proportion of those who were never tested for HIV dropped from 49.8% in 2009 to 33.8% in 2016. Although more than three-quarters received free condoms in both years, STD counseling remained low (32% and 38% for 2009 and 2016, respectively). Sexual risk behavior remained at high levels, especially unprotected anal receptive sex and sex with multiple partners. Younger MSM (<25 years old) showed riskier sexual practices than those 25+ years old, when comparing 2016 to 2009. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate a worrisome risk behavior trend among Brazilian MSM, especially among younger ones. These results can contribute for a better understanding of the HIV epidemics in Brazil, with timely shift in strategies so improved effectiveness in public health prevention efforts can be achieved.

Factors associated with self-reported discrimination against men who have sex with men in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate self-reported discrimination due to sexual orientation among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil and to analyze associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 3,859 MSM recruited in 2008-2009 with respondent driven sampling. Data collection conducted in health centers in 10 Brazilian cities. A face-to-face questionnaire was used and rapid HIV and syphilis tests conducted. Aggregated data were weighted and adjusted odds ratio estimated to measure the association between selected factors and self-reported discrimination due to sexual orientation. RESULTS: The sample was predominantly young, eight plus years of schooling, pardo (brown), single, low-income, and identified themselves as gay or homosexual. The prevalence of self-reported discrimination due to sexual orientation was 27.7% (95%CI 26.2-29.1). Discrimination was independently associated with: age < 30 years, more years of schooling, community involvement and support, history of sexual and physical violence, suicidal thoughts, and unprotected receptive anal intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of self-reported discrimination among MSM in Brazil is high. These results challenge the assumptions that MSM-specific prevention and support programs are not required or that health professionals do not need special training to address MSM needs.

Perception of discrimination due to sexual orientation and associated factors among men who have sex with men in 12 Brazilian cities / Percepção de discriminação com base na orientação sexual e fatores associados entre homens que fazem sexo com homens em 12 cidades brasileiras / Percepción de discriminación debido a la orientación sexual y factores asociados entre hombres que tienen sexo con hombres en 12 ciudades brasileñas

Discrimination due to sexual orientation (DDSO) has an important association with health outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to analyze factors associated with DDSO among MSM in 12 Brazilian cities. This is a cross-sectional study with 4,176 MSM participants recruited in 2016 which used a respondent-driven sampling method in 12 Brazilian cities. DDSO levels were previously identified by a latent class analysis based on 13 variables from the discrimination section. An ordinal logistic regression was used to assess associations with these DDSO levels, and weighted ordinal odds ratios (OR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using Gile's estimator. Most participants were young (< 25 years old) black or of mixed-race (pardo), single individuals who had a religious affiliation, primary or incomplete secondary education, and a high and average socioeconomic status. More than half (65%) reported DDSO in the 12 months prior to this study. We observed an independent association among the four latent DDSO classes and the following variables: age < 25 years old (OR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.21-2.27), white skin color (OR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.02-2.01), history of sexual (OR = 2.33; 95%CI: 1.58-3.43) and physical violence (OR = 3.08; 95%CI: 2.11-4.49), disclosure of their sexual orientation as MSM to their fathers (OR = 2.00; 95%CI: 1.47-2.72), experienced suicidal ideation in the two weeks prior to this study (OR = 2.09; 95%CI: 1.46-2.98), and use of any illicit drugs in the last six months (OR = 1.61; 95%CI: 1.19-2.18). Our results indicate that contextual factors may contribute to high DDSO levels among MSM in Brazil. Public health policies toward human rights surveillance and protection among MSM must be urgently addressed.

A discriminação com base na orientação sexual mostra uma associação forte com desfechos de saúde entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH). O estudo buscou analisar fatores associados com a discriminação por orientação sexual entre HSH em 12 cidades brasileiras. Um estudo transversal recrutou 4.176 HSH em 2016, usando o método respondent-driven sampling em 12 cidades brasileiras. Os níveis de discriminação por orientação sexual foram identificados previamente por análise de classes latentes, com base em 13 variáveis do capítulo sobre discriminação. Foi usada regressão logística ordinal para avaliar as associações com esses níveis de discriminação por orientação sexual, e o estimador de Gile foi utilizado para estimar as razões de chances ordinais ponderadas (OR) e os respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). Os participantes eram majoritariamente jovens (< 25 anos), solteiros, com filiação religiosa, com escolaridade primária ou Ensino Médio incompleto, pretos ou pardos e com nível socioeconômico alto ou médio. Mais da metade relatava discriminação por orientação sexual nos últimos 12 meses (65%). Observamos uma associação independente entre as quatro classes latentes de discriminação por orientação sexual e as seguintes variáveis: idade < 25 anos (OR = 1,66; IC95%: 1,21-2,27), cor branca (OR = 1,43; IC95%: 1,02-2,01), história de violência sexual (OR = 2,33; IC95%: 1,58-3,43) e física (OR = 3,08; IC95%: 2,11-4,49), ter divulgado ao pai a orientação sexual enquanto HSH (OR = 2,00; IC95%: 1,47-2,72), relato de ideação suicida nas últimas duas semanas (OR = 2,09; IC95%: 1,46-2,98) e uso de qualquer droga ilícita nos últimos seis meses (OR = 1,61; IC95%: 1,19-2,18). Nossos resultados indicam que fatores contextuais podem contribuir para os altos níveis de discriminação contra HSH no Brasil. São urgentes políticas de saúde pública voltadas para a vigilância e proteção dos direitos humanos dos HSH.

La discriminación debida a la orientación sexual (DDSO, por sus siglas en inglés) tiene una asociación importante con los resultados de salud entre los hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar factores asociados con DDSO entre HSH en 12 ciudades brasileñas. Un estudio trasversal con 4.176 participantes HSH reclutados en 2016, usando un método de muestreo basado en los encuestados de 12 ciudades brasileñas. Los niveles de DDSO se identificaron previamente mediante un análisis de clase latente, basado en 13 variables desde la sección de discriminación. Se utilizó una regresión logística ordinal para evaluar las asociaciones con estos niveles de DDSO y se estimaron las razones de posibilidades ponderadas ordinales (OR) y su respectivo intervalo de 95% de confianza (IC95%) usando el estimador de Gile. La mayoría de los participantes eran jóvenes (< 25 años de edad), solteros, tenían filiación religiosa, una escolaridad primaria o secundaria incompleta, eran negros o mestizos (pardos) y tenían un elevado promedio socioeconómico. Más de la mitad informaron DDSO en los 12 meses previos (65%). Observamos una asociación independiente entre las cuatro clases latentes de DDSO y las siguientes variables: edad < 25 años (OR = 1,66; IC95%: 1,21-2,27), color de piel blanca (OR = 1,43; IC95%: 1,02-2,01), historia de violencia sexual (OR = 2,33; IC95%: 1,58-3,43) y violencia física (OR = 3,08; IC95%: 2,11-4,49), revelaron al padre su orientación sexual como HSH (OR = 2,00; IC95%: 1,47-2,72), tuvieron ideas suicidas durante las dos semanas previas (OR = 2,09; IC95%: 1,46-2,98) y consumieron alguna droga ilícita en los últimos seis meses (OR = 1,61; IC95%: 1,19-2,18). Nuestros resultados indican que los factores contextuales podrían haber contribuido a los altos niveles de DDSO entre HSH en Brasil. Se deben dirigir urgentemente políticas públicas de salud orientadas a la vigilancia y protección de los derechos humanos entre HSH.

Incentives and barriers to HIV testing in men who have sex with men in a metropolitan area in Brazil.

This study aimed to identify incentives and barriers to HIV testing in men who have sex with men (MSM). This was a cross-sectional study of MSM who had lived at least three months in greater metropolitan Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil, 2010. The study recruited 391 men ≥ 18 years of age who reported sexual relations with men in the previous six months, using Respondent Driven Sampling. Personal network and socio-demographic data were collected and HIV testing was offered, analyzed with RDSAT 6.0 and Stata 11.0. The majority were young (40.3%), had 5 to 11 years of schooling (57.3%), were single (85.1%), had low income (37.6%), and 58.1% had tested for HIV some time in life. Incentive to test: certainty of not being infected (34.1%) and the exposure to national campaign Fique Sabendo [Know your Status] (34%). Barriers: trust in partner(s) (21%) and fear of discrimination if tested positive (20.3%). Policies should be developed to ensure test confidentiality and communication campaigns focusing on information gaps and encouragement for testing.

Estimation of HIV incidence in two Brazilian municipalities, 2013.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate HIV incidence in two Brazilian municipalities, Recife and Curitiba, in the year of 2013. METHODS: The method for estimating incidence was based on primary information, resulting from the Lag-Avidity laboratory test for detection of recent HIV infections, applied in a sample of the cases diagnosed in the two cities in 2013. For the estimation of the HIV incidence for the total population of the cities, the recent infections detected in the research were annualized and weighted by the inverse of the probability of HIV testing in 2013 among the infected and not diagnosed cases. After estimating HIV incidence for the total population, the incidence rates were estimated by sex, age group, and exposure category. RESULTS: In Recife, 902 individuals aged 13 years and older were diagnosed with HIV infection. From these, 528 were included in the study, and the estimated proportion of recent infections was 13.1%. In Curitiba, 1,013 people aged 13 years and older were diagnosed, 497 participated in the study, and the proportion of recent infections was 10.5%. In Recife, the estimated incidence rate was 53.1/100,000 inhabitants of 13 years and older, while in Curitiba, it was 41.1/100,000, with male-to-female ratio of 3.5 and 2.4, respectively. We observed high rates of HIV incidence among men who have sex with men, of 1.47% in Recife and 0.92% in Curitiba. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in the two cities showed that the group of men who have sex with men are disproportionately subject to a greater risk of new infections, and indicate that strategies to control the spread of the epidemic in this population subgroup are essential and urgent. OBJETIVO: Estimar a incidência de HIV em dois municípios brasileiros, Recife e Curitiba, no ano de 2013. MÉTODOS: O método de estimação da incidência foi baseado em informações primárias, resultantes do ensaio laboratorial Lag-Avidity para detecção de infecções recentes do HIV, aplicado em uma amostra dos casos diagnosticados nas duas cidades em 2013. Para a estimação da incidência de HIV para a população total das cidades, as infecções recentes detectadas na pesquisa foram anualizadas e ponderadas pelo inverso da probabilidade de teste de HIV no ano de 2013 entre os casos infectados e não diagnosticados. Após a estimação da incidência de HIV para a população total, foram estimadas as taxas de incidência por sexo, faixa de idade e categoria de exposição. RESULTADOS: Em Recife, foram diagnosticados 902 indivíduos de 13 anos e mais com infecção de HIV. Desses, 528 foram incluídos no estudo, e a proporção estimada de infecções recentes foi de 13,1%. Em Curitiba, foram diagnosticadas 1.013 pessoas de 13 anos e mais, 497 participaram do estudo, e a proporção de infecções recentes foi de 10,5%. Em Recife, a taxa de incidência estimada foi de 53,1 por 100 mil habitantes de 13 anos e mais, enquanto em Curitiba, de 41,1 por 100 mil, com razão do sexo masculino para o feminino de 3,5 e 2,4, respectivamente. Foram evidenciadas elevadas taxas de incidência de HIV entre homens que fazem sexo com homens, de 1,47% em Recife e 0,92% em Curitiba. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados obtidos nas duas cidades mostraram que o grupo dos homens que fazem sexo com homens está desproporcionalmente sujeito ao maior risco de novas infecções, e indicam que estratégias para controle da disseminação da epidemia nesse subgrupo populacional são essenciais e urgentes.

Regional patterns of the temporal evolution of the AIDS epidemic in Brazil following the introduction of antiretroviral therapy.

We examined the characteristics of the AIDS epidemic in the northeastern region of Brazil, comparing it to the epidemic in Brazil as a whole, and to the state of São Paulo, with respect to the temporal evolution of morbidity and mortality during the period 1990 to 1999, using information from communicable disease reports and mortality records. Since 1996, the incidence rate of AIDS in adults in Brazil as a whole and in São Paulo has been showing a trend towards stability, whereas in the Brazilian northeast the incidence rates of the disease continue to grow. In the northeast, sexual transmission is responsible for more than 80% of cases, injectable drug users (IDU) comprising only a small percentage of cases. There is a greater incidence of AIDS among groups with lower educational levels throughout the country. The comparative analysis of cases of AIDS and of deaths from AIDS shows growth, both in the number of cases and in the number of deaths; however, from 1996 onwards there has been a progressive reduction in the number of deaths in all regions analyzed. With respect to the incidence of cases of the disease acquired by vertical transmission, a significant growth trend can be seen in all regions for cases born in the period 1990-6, but in 1997 temporal analysis showed evidence of a reduction in this growth. In conclusion, temporal changes have occurred in the AIDS epidemic in Brazil, which has been showing a trend towards stability since 1996, when potent ARV therapy was introduced. However, this deceleration is not homogenous throughout all the regions.