Preferences for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among sexual and gender minorities: a discrete choice experiment in Brazil.

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) are disproportionally affected by HIV infection in Latin America. This study aims to assess pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) preferences among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) and identify attributes and levels that are related to PrEP uptake and adherence, both crucial for PrEP success. Methods: We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) among SGM from all Brazilian regions (September-December/2020). The survey was administered face-to-face (five Brazilian capitals) and online (entire country). We used a D-efficient zero-prior blocked experimental design to select 60 paired-profile DCE choice tasks. Findings: The total sample size was 3924 (90.5% MSM; 7.2% TGW and 2.3% non-binary or gender diverse persons). In random-effects logit models, highest levels of protection and "no side effects" were the most important attribute levels. For "presentation", injectable and implant were preferred over oral. Participants were willing to accept a 4.1% protection reduction to receive injectable PrEP or a 4.2% reduction if PrEP were taken monthly. The largest class in the latent class models was defined predominantly by the preference for the highest HIV protection level (p < 0.005). Respondents in this class also preferred no side effects, injectable and implant presentations. Interpretation: Higher HIV protection, no side effects, and presentation, whether injectable or implant, were the most important attributes in PrEP preferences. Protection against HIV was the most important attribute. PrEP programs should make available technologies such as long-acting presentations that could reunite the most desired attributes, thus maximizing acceptability and user-appropriateness. Funding: Unitaid.

A Profilaxia pré-exposição ao HIV e a saúde sexual: estudo de métodos mistos / Hiv pre-exposure prophylaxis and sexual health: a mixed methods study

Introdução: A prevenção do vírus da imunodeficiência humana é um desafio no âmbito da saúde pública. Esta temática tem evoluído ao longo dos anos e incorporado novas tecnologias. Assume a nomenclatura de prevenção combinada, na perspectiva de ampliar as oportunidades de proteção contra o vírus da imunodeficiência humana e outras infecções sexualmente transmissíveis a partir da necessidade individual e coletiva. Neste escopo inclui-se a Profilaxia Pré-Exposição ao HIV. Esta ferramenta surge como uma estratégia farmacológica, mas que possibilita incluir abordagens comportamentais para a promoção de práticas sexuais mais saudáveis e seguras. Objetivo: Analisar a adoção da PrEP como uma medida de redução de comportamentos que elevam o risco de infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana e a melhoria na saúde sexual dos usuários em uso desta tecnologia no município de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul.Método: Para o alcance de resultados foi desenvolvido um estudo de delineamento metodológico misto, com a estratégia de triangulação concomitante. Na etapa quantitativa, foi realizado um estudo transversal com 954 usuários de PrEP e, na etapa qualitativa, uma abordagem descritiva e exploratória. Realizou-se 19 entrevistas semiestruturadas com questões baseadas no modelo de crenças em saúde. A coleta de dados ocorreu de setembro de 2021 a setembro de 2022. Empregou-se análise estatística descritiva e inferencial; conteúdo tipo temática, para a etapa qualitativa e no estudo misto a análise ocorreu por triangulação das variáveis com significância estatística para o uso de preservativo com os comportamentos de risco e planos para a saúde sexual. Resultados: Foram apresentados a partir de três artigos científicos. A abordagem qualitativa, que identificou as percepções dos usuários de PrEP sobre saúde sexual, foram divididas em quatro eixos. O primeiro apresentou a suscetibilidade ao HIV que destacou o reconhecimento dos riscos que envolvem infectar-se e viver com o HIV. No segundo, a severidade do vírus, sendo destacado haver gravidade quando não tratado. O terceiro trouxe a importância da prevenção. Foi consenso entre os usuários os seus benefícios, melhora na qualidade de vida e a quebra da cadeia de transmissão. Entretanto, no quarto eixo, sobre as barreiras para a prevenção, observou-se a recorrência de exposições durante as práticas sexuais.Desta forma, os usuários PrEP apresentam, que mesmo havendo esclarecimento e disponibilidade de métodos de prevenção, optam primeiramente, pelo prazer sexual nas suas relações. Entende-se, a partir destes achados, que a PrEP é indutora de diálogos que tratam de sexualidade e saúde sexual. O segundo artigo científico oportunizou conhecer o perfil dos usuários de PrEP de Porto Alegre, os casos de abandono da profilaxia e os fatores associados a esta ocorrência. O município conta com um perfil delimitado de acesso, apresentou majoritariamente homens cis, jovens, gays, com elevada escolaridade, moradores da região central da cidade, com número elevado de parcerias sexuais, expostos ao uso de álcool/drogas e histórico prévio importante de ISTs, com destaque para a sífilis. Estes achados são relevantes do ponto de vista das políticas públicas, uma vez que lançam subsídios para a construção de estratégias de inclusão de perfis vulnerabilizados e expostos que não acessam este cuidado. Isto inclui diferentes barreiras como questões sociais, econômicas e culturais. Há um perfil de exposição de risco elevado ao HIV e outras ISTs, demonstrando novamente que a PrEP extrapola o conceito biomédico e farmacológico, tornando-se uma oportunidade de dialogar sobre questões comportamentais, gerenciamento de risco e saúde sexual. Por fim, o terceiro artigo analisou os comportamentos de risco e estratégias de saúde sexual dos usuários de PrEP. Conclusões: Os achados potencializaram e legitimaram a existência de um perfil de usuários de PrEP em Porto Alegre, marcado por homens brancos, cis, gays/HSHs, com escolaridade elevada. Validou-se a importância da inclusão de medidas comportamentais, pautadas por diálogos sobre sexualidade e saúde sexual nos espaços de cuidado à saúde e da opção dos usuários de PrEP pela satisfação e prazer sexual em detrimento a adoção do uso do preservativo.

The prevention of the human immunodeficiency virus is a public health challenge. This theme has evolved over the years and incorporated new technologies. It assumes the nomenclature of combined prevention, with a view to expanding opportunities for protection against the human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections based on individual and collective need. This scope includes Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis to HIV. This tool emerges as a pharmacological strategy, but which makes it possible to include behavioral approaches to promote healthier and safer sexual practices. The objective of this thesis was to analyze the adoption of PrEP as a measure to reduce behaviors that increase the risk of infection by the human immunodeficiency virus and to improve the sexual health of users using this technology in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. To achieve results, a study with a mixed methodological design was developed, with a concomitant triangulation strategy. In the quantitative stage, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 954 PrEP users and, in the qualitative stage, a descriptive and exploratory approach. There were nineteen semi-structured interviews with questions based on the health beliefs model. Data collection took place from September 2021 to September 2022. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was used. And thematic type content analysis, according to Minayo, for the qualitative stage. The results are presented from three scientific articles. The qualitative approach, which identified PrEP users' perceptions of sexual health, was divided into four axes. The first presented susceptibility to HIV, which highlighted the recognition of the risks involved in becoming infected and living with HIV. The second brought the severity of the virus, it was highlighted that there is seriousness in the aggravation when not treated. The third brought the importance of prevention. There was a consensus among users regarding its benefits, as well as the association with quality of life and the impact of its schooling, residents of the central region of the city, with a high number of sexual partners, exposed to alcohol/drug use and significant previous history of STIs, with emphasis on syphilis. These findings are relevant from the perspective of public policies, since they launch subsidies for the construction of strategies to include vulnerable and exposed profiles that do not access this care. This includes different barriers such as social, economic, and cultural issues. There is a profile of high-risk exposure to HIV and other STIs, demonstrating again that PrEP goes beyond the biomedical and pharmacological concept, becoming an opportunity to dialogue about behavioral issues, risk management and sexual health. Finally, the third article analyzed the risk behaviors and sexual health strategies of PrEP users. Triangulated variables with statistical significance for condom use with risk behaviors and plans for sexual health. The findings strengthened and legitimized the existence of a profile of PrEP users in Porto Alegre, the importance of including behavioral measures, guided by dialogues about sexuality and sexual health in health care spaces and the option of PrEP users for satisfaction and sexual pleasure harminguse.

La prevención del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana es un desafío de salud pública. Este tema ha evolucionado a lo largo de los años e incorporado nuevas tecnologías. Asume la nomenclatura de prevención combinada, con miras a ampliar las oportunidades de protección contra el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana y otras infecciones de transmisión sexual en función de las necesidades individuales y colectivas. Este alcance incluye la Profilaxis Pre-Exposición al VIH. Esta herramienta surge como una estrategia farmacológica, pero que permite incluir enfoques conductuales para promover prácticas sexuales más saludables y seguras. El objetivo de esta tesis fue analizar la adopción de la PrEP como medida para reducir comportamientos que aumentan el riesgo de infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana y mejorar la salud sexual de los usuarios que utilizan esta tecnología en la ciudad de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Para alcanzar los resultados se desarrolló un estudio con un diseño metodológico mixto, con una estrategia de triangulación concomitante. En la etapa cuantitativa se realizó un estudio transversal con 954 usuarios de PrEP y en la etapa cualitativa un abordaje descriptivo y exploratorio. Se realizaron 19 entrevistas semiestructuradas con preguntas basadas en el modelo de creencias en salud. La recolección de datos ocurrió de septiembre de 2021 a septiembre de 2022. Se utilizó análisis estadístico descriptivo e inferencial. Y análisis de contenido de tipo temático, según Minayo, para la etapa cualitativa. Los resultados se presentan a partir de tres artículos científicos. El enfoque cualitativo, que identificó las percepciones de los usuarios de PrEP sobre la salud sexual, se dividió en cuatro ejes. El primero presentó la susceptibilidad al VIH, lo que destacó el reconocimiento de los riesgos que implica infectarse y vivir con el VIH. La segunda trajo la gravedad del virus, se destacó que hay gravedad en el agravamiento cuando no se trata. El tercero trajo la importancia de la prevención. Hubo consenso entre los usuarios sobre sus beneficios, así como la asociación con la calidad de vida y el impacto de su eficacia para romper la cadena de transmisión. Sin embargo, en el cuarto eje, sobre las barreras a la prevención, se observó recurrencia de exposiciones durante prácticas sexuales. De esta forma, los usuarios de la PrEP muestran que, aún con clarificación y disponibilidad de métodos de prevención, optan primero por el placer sexual en sus relaciones. Se entiende, con base en estos hallazgos, que la PrEP induce diálogos que tratan sobre la sexualidad y la salud sexual. El segundo artículo científico permitió conocer el perfil de los usuarios de PrEP en Porto Alegre, los casos de abandono de la profilaxis y los factores asociados a esa ocurrencia. El municipio cuenta con un perfil de acceso delimitado, en su mayoría hombres cis, jóvenes, homosexuales, con escolaridad media, residentes en la región centro de la ciudad, con alto número de parejas sexuales, expuestos al consumo de alcohol/drogas y antecedentes significativos de ITS, con énfasis en la sífilis. Estos hallazgos son relevantes desde el punto de vista de las políticas públicas, ya que lanzan subsidios para la construcción de estrategias de inclusión de perfiles vulnerables y expuestos que no acceden a esta atención. Esto incluye diferentes barreras tales como cuestiones sociales, económicas y culturales. Existe un perfil de exposición de alto riesgo al VIH y otras ITS, demostrando nuevamente que la PrEP va más allá del concepto biomédico y farmacológico, convirtiéndose en una oportunidad para dialogar sobre temas de conducta, manejo de riesgos y salud sexual. Finalmente, el tercer artículo analizó las conductas de riesgo y las estrategias de salud sexual de las usuarias de PrEP. Variables trianguladas con significancia estadística para uso de preservativo con conductas de riesgo y planes de salud sexual. Los hallazgos fortalecieron y legitimaron la existencia de un perfil de usuarios de PrEP en Porto Alegre, la importancia de incluir medidas conductuales, orientadas por diálogos sobre sexualidad y salud sexual en los espacios de atención a la salud y la opción de los usuarios de PrEP. Variables trianguladas con significancia estadística para uso de preservativo con conductas de riesgo y planes de salud sexual. Los hallazgos fortalecieron y legitimaron la existencia de un perfil de usuarios de PrEP en Porto Alegre, la importancia de incluir medidas conductuales, orientadas por diálogos sobre sexualidad y salud sexual en los espacios de atención a la salud y la opción de los usuarios de PrEP por la satisfacción y el placer sexual en detrimento de la adopción del uso del preservativo.

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

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

Preferences for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men and transgender women at risk of HIV infection: a multicentre protocol for a discrete choice experiment in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an important and well-established prevention strategy for sexual acquisition of HIV. In Brazil, transgender women (TGW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) bear the largest burden among key populations. Little is known about preferences for PrEP characteristics in these vulnerable populations in Latin America. The goal of this study is to investigate preferences of TGW and MSM with respect to PrEP characteristics, whether current user or not, and to assess any attributes and levels that may improve the decision to start using PrEP (uptake) and optimal continuity of use (adherence), which are important dimensions for PrEP success. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We hereby outline the protocol of a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to be conducted among TGW and MSM in Brazil. The study will be carried out in two phases. The first phase involves literature review and qualitative approaches including in-depth interviews to inform the development of the DCE (attributes and levels). The second phase entails the DCE survey and supporting questions pertaining to sociodemographic and risk behaviour information. The survey is aimed at current PrEP users and non-users, consisting of two modes of administration: face to face in five Brazilian capitals (Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Manaus, Porto Alegre and Salvador) and online targeting the entire country. A D-efficient zero-prior blocked experimental design will be used to select 60 paired-profile DCE choice tasks, in which participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups and presented with a set of 15 choice tasks. The planned sample size is 1000 volunteers. ETHICS, TIMELINE AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa-Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas-INI/FIOCRUZ, CEP/INI, CAAE 28416220.2.1001.5262, approval number 3.979.759 in accordance with the Comissão Nacional de Ética em Pesquisa (CONEP-Brazilian National Board of Research Ethics). The study will be conducted between 2020 and 2021. The results will be disseminated to the scientific community and to the public in general through publications in published in peer-reviewed journals and in scientific conferences.

Reality or utopia: eradication of the AIDS epidemic in Guinea-Bissau by 2030.

OBJECTIVES: to reflect on the implementation of an integrated strategy to eradicate the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic in Guinea-Bissau by 2030. METHODS: a reflective study. REFLECTION: Guinea-Bissau is a Portuguese-speaking country located in Sub-Saharan Africa, in constant political and economic instability. Among its characteristics are sociocultural diversity and high rates of morbidity and mortality from causes related to infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In the quest to eradicate the AIDS epidemic by 2030, instituted especially by the United Nations, it is noted that political and socio-cultural factors transformed eradication of the AIDS epidemic by 2030 into a utopia. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: international strategies, although ambitious, are considered opportunities for countries to propose and build public policies capable of changing the existing reality.

Reality or utopia: eradication of the AIDS epidemic in Guinea-Bissau by 2030 / Realidad o utopía: erradicación de la epidemia de SIDA en Guinea-Bissau hasta 2030 / Realidade ou utopia: erradicação da epidemia de AIDS em Guiné-Bissau até 2030

ABSTRACT Objectives: to reflect on the implementation of an integrated strategy to eradicate the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic in Guinea-Bissau by 2030. Methods: a reflective study. Reflection: Guinea-Bissau is a Portuguese-speaking country located in Sub-Saharan Africa, in constant political and economic instability. Among its characteristics are sociocultural diversity and high rates of morbidity and mortality from causes related to infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In the quest to eradicate the AIDS epidemic by 2030, instituted especially by the United Nations, it is noted that political and socio-cultural factors transformed eradication of the AIDS epidemic by 2030 into a utopia. Final Considerations: international strategies, although ambitious, are considered opportunities for countries to propose and build public policies capable of changing the existing reality.

RESUMEN Objetivos: reflexionar sobre la implementación de una estrategia integrada para erradicar la epidemia del Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida (SIDA) en Guinea-Bissau para el año 2030. Métodos: estudio reflexivo. Reflexión: el Guinea-Bissau es un país de habla portuguesa, ubicado en África subsahariana, en constante inestabilidad política y económica. Entre sus características se encuentran la diversidad sociocultural y las altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad por causas relacionadas con la infección por el Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana. En la búsqueda de erradicar la epidemia de SIDA para 2030, instituida especialmente por las Naciones Unidas, se observa que los factores políticos y socioculturales transformaron la erradicación de la epidemia de SIDA en 2030 en una utopía. Consideraciones Finales: se considera que las estrategias internacionales, aunque ambiciosas, representan oportunidades para que los países propongan y desarrollen políticas públicas capaces de cambiar la realidad existente.

RESUMO Objetivos: refletir sobre a implementação de uma estratégia integrada de erradicação da epidemia de Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (AIDS) na Guiné-Bissau até o ano de 2030. Métodos: estudo reflexivo. Reflexão: Guiné-Bissau é um país de língua oficial portuguesa, localizado na África Subsaariana, em constante instabilidade política e econômica. Dentre suas características, estão a diversidade sociocultural e altas taxas de morbimortalidade por causas relacionadas à infecção pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana. Na busca pela erradicação da epidemia de AIDS até 2030, instituída especialmente pela Organização das Nações Unidas, nota-se que fatores políticos e socioculturais transformaram a erradicação da epidemia de AIDS até 2030 em utopia. Considerações Finais: considera-se que as estratégias internacionais, apesar de ambiciosas, representam oportunidades para que os países possam propor e construir políticas públicas capazes de mudar a realidade existente.

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

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

Prevalência de sífilis em mulheres / The prevalence of syphilis in women

Objetivo: verificar a prevalência de sífilis em mulheres que realizaram o teste rápido em um serviço de referência de Porto Alegre/RS. Metodologia: estudo quantitativo, descritivo, transversal, realizado com 1300 prontuários de mulheres que realizaram o teste rápido no período de julho de 2012 a abril de 2014. Os dados foram analisados a partir de estatística descritiva. As variáveis categóricas foram expressas em número absoluto e percentual e aquelas com distribuição normal expressas como média ± desvio padrão. Resultados: 103 (7,9%) apresentaram sífilis. A idade variou de 16 a 76 anos, a média foi de 38,9 ±12,8 anos, 46 (45,1%) possuía acima de 11 anos de estudo, 31,0 (30,4%) possuíam parceria fixa, 35 (34,3%) já apresentou algum tipo de IST. Conclusões: entende-se que, para o controle da doença, o diagnóstico precoce é fundamental e o atendimento deve ser realizado de imediato na atenção primária em saúde, visando uma maior integração e vínculo com a unidade/comunidade/equipe de saúde.

Objective: To verify the prevalence of syphilis in women who performed the rapid check up at a referral service in Porto Alegre. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study of 103 records of women who performed the rapid check up from July 2012 to April 2014. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, categorical variables were expressed in absolute number and Percentage and those with normal distribution expressed as average ± standard deviation. Results: 103 (35.6%) had syphilis. The age ranged from 16 to 76 years, the average was 38.9 ± 12,8 years, 46 (45.1%) had completed secondary education, 31 (30,4%) had a fixed partnership, 35 (34.3 %) already had some type of STD. Conclusions: It is understood that for the control of the disease, the early diagnosis is fundamental and the assistance should be performed immediately in the primary care, aiming at a greater integration and bond with the unit /community/health/team.

Objetivo: Determinar el predominio de sífilis en mujeres que se sometieron a la prueba rápida en un servicio de referencia en Porto Alegre. Metodología: cuantitativa, estudio descriptivo transversal realizado con 103 registros de mujeres que se sometieron a la prueba rápida de julio de 2012 hasta abril de 2014. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando estadística descriptiva, las variables categóricas se expresan en números absolutos y porcentaje y los que tienen distribución normal expresaron como media ± desviación estándar. Resultados: 103 (35,6%) presentaron sífilis. La edad varió de 16 a 76 años, el promedio fue de 38,9± 12,8 años, 46 (45,1%) habían completado la escuela secundaria, 31 (30,4%) tenían pareja estable, 35 (34,3 %) ya tenía algún tipo de enfermedad de transmisión sexual. Conclusiones: Se entiende que para controlar la enfermedad, el diagnóstico precoz es importante y el servicio debe realizarse inmediatamente en la atención primaria, con el objetivo de una mayor integración y vínculo con el servicio de salud/comunidad/equipo de salud.

Knowledge about diabetes in patients hospitalized for heart disease: a descriptive research

Aim: To assess the knowledge of patients hospitalized for cardiovascular co-morbidities in diabetes mellitus (DM), and its relationship to the confrontation and attitudes towards the disease. Method: This was a prospective cross-sectional study, conducted in the inpatient unit with cardiac patients affected by DM. Their level of knowledge about diabetes was assessed using the Diabetes Knowledge Scale (DKN-A) and the psychological and emotional aspects were assessed by use of the Diabetes Attitudes Questionnaire (ATT-19). Results: We included 220 patients with 63.0 ± 9.4 years, of which 119 (54.1%) were male. The punctuation of the scores ≥ eight in DKN-A was found in 55 patients (25%), and a score ≥ 60 on ATT-19 occurred in 37 patients (17.7%). Discussion: The patients who presented with relatively good knowledge about DM had a score of ≥ eight; those individuals who had a score ≥ 60 on the scale ATT-19 had an appropriate response to the disease. Conclusion: The patients generally had a low level of knowledge of DM and had difficulty in coping with the disease.

Squamous intraepithelial lesions in HIV-infected women: prevalence, incidence, progression and regression.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of HIV immune depletion, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and patient characteristics on the occurrence of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL). METHODS: A total of 898 HIV-positive women were evaluated at the time of their first Pap smear and 388 of them received additional Pap smears during follow-up in a cohort study. The patients were enrolled from July 1997 to April 2007. Prevalence and incidence of SIL in Pap smears were studied. Progression and regression were evaluated in follow-up of patients presenting low-grade SIL. RESULTS: Pap smear results at baseline were: 741 normal (82.5 %), 56 atypical squamous cells of indeterminate significance (ASCUS) (6.2 %), 78 low-grade SIL (8.7 %), 22 high-grade SIL (2.4 %), and 1 invasive cervical cancer (0.1 %). SIL cumulative incidence rate was 9.7 %. Progression and regression occurred in 15.9 and 62 %, respectively. Multivariate analysis of CD4 counts ≤ 200 cells/mm(3) (aHR = 2.1; 95 % CI 1.3-3.5; P = 0.004) and age less than 30 years (aHR = 3.2; 95 % CI 1.5-6.8; P = 0.01) or less than 40 years old (aHR = 2.6; 95 % CI 1.2-5.7; P = 0.01) were significantly associated with SIL prevalence. CD4 counts ≤ 200 cells/mm(3) (aHR = 3.0; 95 % CI 1.2-7.2; P = 0.01) and higher viral load counts (for each log increase) were associated with SIL incidence (aHR = 1.4; 95 % CI 1-1.9; P = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence and incidence of SIL in HIV-positive women were associated with severity of HIV disease. Interventions to increase access to Pap smears and further diagnostic tests should be implemented and targeted to HIV-positive women.