The Effect of Partnership Presence and Support on HIV Viral Suppression Among Serodiscordant Partnered and Single Heterosexual HIV-Positive Individuals in Brazil.

HIV-negative individuals in serodiscordant partnerships experience reduced risk of HIV acquisition when their partners adhere to ART and achieve undetectable viral loads. Partnership support may encourage ART adherence, reducing viral load and the risk of HIV transmission. This study aims to determine whether HIV viral suppression is associated with partnership status and partnership support among 201 HIV positive (HIV+ individuals in serodiscordant partnerships and 100 HIV+ unpartnered individuals receiving care at Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Porto Alegre, Brazil between 2014 and 2016. Clinical data and patient-reported questionnaire data were assessed, and propensity scores were used to control for confounding variables in adjusted logistic regression models. Viral suppression did not significantly differ between HIV+ partnered (78.5% virally suppressed) and unpartnered (76.0% virally suppressed) individuals. Among individuals in partnerships, viral suppression was significantly associated with having a partner who attended monthly clinic visits (AOR 2.99; 95% CI 1.00-8.93). Instrumental social support-attending monthly visits-may improve the odds of viral suppression among HIV+ individuals in serodiscordant relationships.

HIV testing of male partners of pregnant women in Porto Alegre, Brazil: a potential strategy for reduction of HIV seroconversion during pregnancy.

Pregnant women have a significantly higher risk of HIV acquisition during gestation than their non-pregnant counterparts due to behavioral and biological factors. Acute seroconversion during gestation results in increased HIV mother-to-child transmission rates and has been identified as a major public health challenge. In order to address potential HIV seroconversion in our pregnant patients, we conducted a prospective cohort study to evaluate the acceptability of offering HIV testing to sexual partners of HIV-negative pregnant women receiving antenatal care at two hospitals in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Over a 14-month study period, HIV-negative pregnant women at two hospital-based clinic sites were encouraged to bring their stable sexual partner for HIV voluntary counseling and testing during prenatal care. Women were re-interviewed following delivery to measure success of the intervention. Of the 1223 HIV-negative pregnant women enrolled in the study, 663 (54%) of their male sexual partners received HIV testing during antenatal care and 4 (0.6%) were diagnosed with HIV infection. A total of 645 women were interviewed at the time of delivery, with 620 (97%) confirming that HIV testing was suggested to their partner. The most common reason provided by women as to why partners did not come for testing was work (69%) and lack of perceived risk (14%). Independent predictors of successful partner testing included being white (odds ratio [OR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-2.12), married (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.08-2.94), having an older age of sexual debut (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.9-0.98), and being recruited at Hospital Conceiçao (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.52-2.88). We conclude that HIV partner testing during prenatal care is acceptable, rendering this intervention attractive to public health programs targeting prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

HIV voluntary counseling and testing of couples during maternal labor and delivery: the TRIPAI Couples study.

BACKGROUND: Women in Brazil are routinely tested for HIV-1 during pregnancy with rapid testing repeated during labor in some settings. Partner testing is not routinely offered. The peripartum period provides opportunity for HIV testing of couples. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a large public hospital in southern Brazil. HIV rapid testing was offered to all pregnant women in labor. Male partners of women who consented to partner inclusion were offered testing. Within HIV-serodiscordant couples, HIV-negative individuals were evaluated for the delta-32 base-pair CCR5 deletion allele. RESULTS: From February to September 2009, 2888 women delivered, with 1729 eligible women approached for study participation; 1648 (95%) HIV-negative women consented to partner testing and 66% of partners accepted testing. Seven HIV-infected men (0.6%) with no prior diagnosis were identified. Testing strategies uncovered 7 additional serodiscordant couples, 4 HIV-infected women diagnosed at delivery, and 3 HIV-infected men who had not disclosed their status to their partners, for a total serodiscordance rate of 1.3% in 1101 couples. No cases of acute maternal or infant infection were noted. No delta-32 base-pair deletions were identified in 14 HIV-negative partners in serodiscordant relationships. Parameters associated with increased acceptance of partner testing included higher income (P = 0.003), education (P < 0.0001), stable relationships of longer duration (P = 0.001), and female support of partner testing (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Testing of couples at the time of labor and delivery is a feasible public health strategy in areas of moderate-to-high HIV prevalence, which can potentially prevent acute infections in men, women, and infants.

Telehealth multicomponent exercise and health education in breast cancer patients undergoing primary treatment: rationale and methodological protocol for a randomized clinical trial (ABRACE: Telehealth).

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines emphasize cancer patients should increase their physical activity levels, encouraging physical exercise practice as a complementary therapy to mitigate adverse effects during treatment. Telehealth can be a feasible method to improve adherence and interventional support for breast cancer patients, of which most do not meet sufficient physical activity levels after diagnosis. The Adaptations to Breast Cancer and Exercise Using Telehealth (ABRACE: Telehealth) study aims to investigate the effects of a 12-week telehealth multicomponent training program plus a health education program (MTHE), compared to a health education program alone (HE), on physical and psychological outcomes in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial. Women undergoing primary treatment (during or after chemotherapy) for breast cancer (stages I-III) will be randomly assigned to MTHE (twice a week) or HE (once a week). MTHE components are mobility, aerobic, balance, resistance, and flexibility home-based exercises, supervised by video call. The primary study outcome is cancer-related fatigue. The secondary outcomes are quality of life, symptoms of depression and anxiety, physical activity level, cancer-related cognitive impairment, and functional capacity. Other outcomes are adherence to interventions and a follow-up questionnaire evaluating the individual perception in motivation, lifestyle changes, and main barriers to participation. All outcomes will be remotely assessed before and after intervention. Our analysis will follow the intention-to-treat approach and per-protocol criteria, with additional sub-group analysis. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first randomized clinical trial in breast cancer patients using a face-to-face videoconference strategy to supervise physical exercise. Our hypothesis is of superiority for the effects of MTHE on primary and secondary outcomes compared to the effects of only the health education intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Adaptations to Breast Cancer and Exercise Using Telehealth (ABRACE: Telehealth), NCT04641377. Registered on 23 November 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04641377.

Risk-taking behavior for HIV acquisition during pregnancy in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Recent studies suggest that acquisition of HIV-1 infection during pregnancy and breastfeeding is associated with a high risk of HIV mother-to-child transmission. This study evaluates risk factors associated with HIV acquisition during pregnancy in women delivering at a large metropolitan medical facility located in the south of Brazil. From February to August 2009, our group conducted a cross-sectional study assessing women's risk for HIV acquisition by administering an oral survey to peripartum women. Of 2465 participants, 42% (n = 1046) knew that partner had been tested for HIV. During pregnancy, 82% (n = 2022) of participants never used condoms; yet 97% (n = 2399) practiced vaginal sex. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients with more years of education, in a relationship for more than 1 year, and who knew their own HIV status were more likely to know their partners' HIV status (P < 0.05). Those who were in relationship for more than 1 year and were married/living together were more likely to be comfortable discussing HIV testing with partners (P < 0.05). In conclusion, women in Brazil are at risk of HIV-infection during pregnancy as they remain sexually active, often do not know their sexual partner's HIV status, and have minimal condom use.

Designing a Patient-Centered Notification System into a PHR.

Personal health records could help patients overcome the anxiety related to gaps on health related information. The objective of this research was to explore what type of information was perceived by patients as useful to receive as a notification on their PHR as a framework for the design of a patient-centered notification system. We applied a qualitative approach followed by usability tests. From interviews to patients, we obtained main categories of notifications to include according to its perceived usefulness while, from iterative usability tests, we obtained a final version of prototypes developed according to patient-interface interaction experiences. This research helped us to understand patients needs and behavior to design an efficient notification system and also represents the first step for the development of clinical decision support systems for patients into the PHR with the potential to improve clinical outcomes and healthcare delivery.

Qualitative Study to Design an Online Community for Patients with Psoriasis.

The aim of this research was to understand the needs of patients with psoriasis and the concerns of specialists in this pathology. Interviews with adults with psoriasis and dermatologists were conducted. We found 4 main dimensions: Frequently asked questions; Social stigma; Education to patients and Patient empowerment. The findings represent a first approach to understand the needs and perceptions of patients and dermatologists, for the design of a virtual community.

User-Centered Design of a Patient Medication Reconciliation Module in an Integrated Personal Health Record.

With the adoption of Personal Health Records (PHRs) integrated with Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and the increase of accessibility to data, institutions have the possibility of exchanging medical information with their patients. Involving the patient reported data has the potential to improve the quality of care and safety and create a feedback loop between patients and health professionals. The objective of this study is to describe a user-centered design of a module for medication list with reconciliation functionalities managed by the patients themselves, and connected to their EHR for supervision and medical validation. We conducted 42 interviews (31 patients and 11 general practitioners). From the interviews, we performed qualitative analysis and extracted the main findings from comments in both groups. Correctitude rate was 57 to 100%, and satisfaction of use (SUS) maximum was 96% and 92%. These findings may be relevant to patients, health care providers, and policymakers.

Fall Risk Assessment Through a Self-Service Terminal in the Outpatient Setting.

Health organizations aim to identify patients with high fall risk in the different attention scenarios in order to provide safety and quality care. In order to address this issue, we designed an assessment tool that surveys fall risk through three questions in self-service terminals in the outpatient setting. Our objectives in this article are to describe the implementation process. A cross sectional design was used for the pilot (between October and November 2018). The issued tickets rate with high fall risk (defined as 2/3 positive responses) was 34.3%. Some adjustments needed to be done because some patients did not have true risk criteria due to self-report. We conclude that this tool will allow quicker identification of patients with true high risk. Effective prevention strategies will be necessary to improve safety after risk fall identification.

Implementation of an Inpatient Portal Integrated to an EHR: First Stage Evaluation.

Technology has led to the communication of the hospitalized patient and their family with clinical knowledge. The objective of this study is to describe the rate of use of the Inpatient Personal Health Record of Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and September of 2018. The rate of use was 2.10% (95% CI 1.89-2.32). The most used functionalities were analyzed. New strategies are needed to improve the rate of use.

HIV-1 heterosexual transmission and association with sexually transmitted infections in the era of treatment as prevention.

OBJECTIVES: HIV-1 heterosexual transmission among individuals on antiretroviral treatment (ART) with undetectable viremia is extremely rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of sexual HIV-1 transmission and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in HIV-1 serodifferent couples while the index partner is on ART. METHODS: HIV transmission was evaluated in 200 HIV-1 heterosexual serodifferent couples in a stable relationship (≥3 months). All HIV-positive individuals had been on ART for ≥3 months and had been followed up for a median preceding time of 4.5 years (range 0.3-16 years) at the HIV couples clinic at Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Following written informed consent, participants responded to demographic/behavioral questionnaires. Quantitative PCR for HIV RNA, T-cell subsets, and STI testing (syphilis, herpes, human papillomavirus, gonorrhea, and bacterial vaginosis) were performed. Self-collected vaginal swabs were obtained for quantitative HIV genital viral load testing. RESULTS: Among 200 couples, 70% of index partners were female. Five seroconversions were observed; the HIV infection incidence was 2.5% (95% confidence interval 0.8% to 5.7%). Mean plasma viral load results were higher in HIV transmitters compared to non-transmitters (p=0.02). The presence of STIs was significantly greater in couples who seroconverted (60.0% vs. 13.3%; odds ratio 9.75, 95% confidence interval 1.55-61.2; p=0.023). The duration of undetectable HIV viremia and presence of STIs were associated with HIV transmission. CONCLUSIONS: Undetectable viremia was the main factor associated with non-transmissibility of HIV in this setting.

Antiretroviral adherence and virologic suppression in partnered and unpartnered HIV-positive individuals in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: An undetectable serum HIV-1 load is key to effectiveness of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, which depends on adherence to treatment. We evaluated factors possibly associated with ARV adherence and virologic response in HIV-infected heterosexual individuals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 200 HIV-1 serodiscordant couples and 100 unpartnered individuals receiving ARV treatment at a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil. All subjects provided written informed consent, answered demographic/behavioral questionnaires through audio computer-assisted self-interviews (ACASI), and collected blood and vaginal samples for biological markers and assessment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). HIV-negative partners were counseled and tested for HIV-1. RESULTS: The study population mean age was 39.9 years, 53.6% were female, 62.5% were Caucasian, 52.6% had incomplete or complete elementary education, 63.1% resided in Porto Alegre. Demographic, behavioral and biological marker characteristics were similar between couples and single individuals. There was an association between adherence reported on ACASI and an undetectable serum viral load (P<0.0001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that single-tablet ARV-regimens were independently associated with adherence (OR = 2.3; 95CI%: 1.2-4.4; P = 0.011) after controlling for age, gender, education, marital status, personal income, ARV regimen, and median time of ARV use. A positive correlation between genital secretion PCR results and serum viral load was significant in the presence of STIs (r = 0.359; P = 0.017). Although HIV PCR detection in vaginal secretions was more frequent in women with detectable viremia (9/51, 17.6%), it was also present in 7 of 157 women with undetectable serum viral loads (4.5%), p = 0.005. CONCLUSIONS: ARV single tablet regimens are associated with adherence. Detectable HIV-1 may be present in the genital secretions of women with undetectable viremia which means there is potential for HIV transmission in adherent individuals with serologic suppression.

Health Portals for Specific Populations: A Design for Pregnant Women.

The technologies and communication advances, contributed to new tools development who allows patient to have an active role in their own health. In the light of paradigms changes and information needs about health, the patient self-manage their care. This line of care focuses in patient, specific portals come up to people with particular requirements like pregnant womens. Thinking in a portal design to this sector of the population, in September 2016 a survey was made to users with the objective to knowing and understanding information needs at the moment to use a pregnant's app . Also, prototypes of the portal's features was designed to try and validate with users, using the human-centered design methodology. Investigations have made possible the identification of this population's needs and develop a tool who try to satisfy, providing timely information for each part of pregnancy and allowing the patients to make a physical check and to follow up pregnancy seeking advices from our obstetricians.

Barriers and facilitators for men to attend prenatal care and obtain HIV voluntary counseling and testing in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Providing HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) to men who attend their partner's prenatal care is an intervention with potential to reduce HIV transmission to women and infants during the vulnerable period of pregnancy. Little is known about the acceptability of this intervention in global settings outside of Africa. METHODS: We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews to evaluate potential barriers and facilitators to prenatal care attendance for HIV VCT with 20 men who did and 15 men who did not attend prenatal care with their partners at Hospital Conceiçao in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Men were recruited at the labor and delivery unit at Hospital Conceiçao via a scripted invitation while visiting their newborn infant. Interviews lasted from 35-55 minutes and were conducted in Portuguese by a local resident trained extensively in qualitative methods. All interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated, and then analyzed using Atlast.ti software. An analysis of themes was then conducted using direct quotes and statements. We applied and adapted the AIDS Risk Reduction Theoretical Model and HIV Testing Decisions Model to the qualitative data to identify themes in the 35 interviews. RESULTS: If offered HIV testing during prenatal care, all men in both groups stated they would accept this intervention. Yet, individual, relationship and systemic factors were identified that affect these Brazilian men's decision to attend prenatal care, informing our final conceptual model. The men interviewed had a general understanding of the value of HIV prevention of mother to child transmission. They also described open and communicative relationships with their significant others and displayed a high level of enthusiasm towards optimizing the health of their expanding family. The major barriers to attending prenatal care included perceived stigma against HIV infected individuals, men's lack of involvement in planning of the pregnancy as well as inconvenient scheduling of prenatal care, due to conflicting work schedules. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian men displayed high levels of HIV-related knowledge as well as open communication about HIV testing; especially when compared to findings from African studies. Future efforts should reorient prenatal care towards providing care to the entire family with a clear focus on protecting the infant from preventable diseases. Formally inviting men to prenatal care and providing them an acceptable medical excuse from work may enhance male involvement.

Lessons Learned After Redesigning a Personal Health Record.

On May 2016, our institution implemented a redesign of the personal health record (PHR) with the aim of enhancing its use. The objective of this research was to know and to understand end users' opinions as regards PH functionalities and the difficulties they have addressed while using the new PHR version. Research was based on a self administered survey, patient interviews and focus groups performed with out-patients. Topics examined: ways of access to the PHR log-in web page, frequency of use, type of device, most used functionalities, the different uses patients gave to PHR, perception as regards the redesign. This research allowed us to know the uses patients give to the PHR in this institution and to understand the difficulties they found in what refers to its re-design. This information constitutes the clue to motivate and accompany PHR users in the process of adoption of a patient portal.

User-Centered Design Practices to Redesign a Nursing e-Chart in Line with the Nursing Process.

Regarding the user-centered design (UCD) practices carried out at Hospital Italiano of Buenos Aires, nursing e-chart user interface was redesigned in order to improve records' quality of nursing process based on an adapted Virginia Henderson theoretical model and patient safety standards to fulfil Joint Commission accreditation requirements. UCD practices were applied as standardized and recommended for electronic medical records usability evaluation. Implementation of these practices yielded a series of prototypes in 5 iterative cycles of incremental improvements to achieve goals of usability which were used and perceived as satisfactory by general care nurses. Nurses' involvement allowed balance between their needs and institution requirements.

User-Centered Design of Health Care Software Development: Towards a Cultural Change.

Health care software gets better user efficiency, efficacy and satisfaction when the software is designed with their users' needs taken into account. However, it is not trivial to change the practice of software development to adopt user-centered design. In order to produce this change in the Health Informatics Department of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, a plan was devised and implemented. The article presents the steps of the plan, shows how the steps were carried on, and reflects on the lessons learned through the process.